The Most Democratic Town in the World
The Swiss town of Appenzell is probably best known for Landsgemeinden, held outdoors on the last Sunday of every April. Every citizen over 20-years-old must appear personally to cast their vote on municipal issues (if you don't, you receive a ticket and fine).
Landsgemeinden is the ultimate legislative body of the town; at their annual meeting they elect the town executive board. Various committees also present small-ticket items. No one knows when it started.
Photo credit: REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Keywords: Voting, Switzerland
Amanda Erickson is a senior associate editor at The Atlantic Cities. All posts »
The World's Most Expensive Cabs
Fixing a City by Dividing It Up
The Most Popular Excuses Americans Give For Not Voting
When Gun Control Fails: Best #Cityreads of the Week
Terrifying Images of the Damage Wrought by the Texas Tornadoes