Historic open-air democracy takes place in Swiss canton

In northeastern Switzerland, a unique open-air voting tradition occurs every April, where voters raise their hands instead of casting ballots. This practice, dating back to the 14th century, originally allowed only men who could defend the community to vote, using swords as voter ID. Women, who have been voting since 1991, use yellow cards. While this method fosters transparency, it raises privacy concerns as votes are public, potentially leading to influence or coercion. Despite these issues, the community continues to embrace this democratic process, highlighting a distinct approach to governance.

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