Democracy Schaffhausen should play a pioneering role in e-signatures

The canton of Schaffhausen should play a pioneering role in e-collecting: On Monday, the cantonal council did not yet write off a popular motion to this effect as settled - the cantonal council is to stay on the topic.

For the time being, the cantonal government saw no reason to introduce e-collecting in the canton of Schaffhausen quickly. In its report, it referred to the high costs and uncertain framework conditions, among other things.

The responsible committee of the cantonal council, on the other hand, had unanimously agreed to stay on the ball. The introduction of electronic signatures for initiatives and referendums could also be a "booster for the general digitalization of the cantonal administration", it found.

For the SVP/EDU parliamentary group, however, it is still too early: the conditions for electronic signature collection are simply not yet in place, said Martin Schlatter (SVP). And: "There wouldn't be any more democracy, the rights would remain the same."

"Strengthening democratic instruments"

In contrast, Patrick Portmann (SP) stated that the aim was to strengthen democratic instruments. Roland Müller (Greens) also spoke of more efficient access to political participation. After all, anyone who is physically or temporally restricted is currently excluded from submitting signatures.

The Cantonal Council followed the committee's recommendation; by 35 votes to 17, it voted against writing off the popular motion "More democracy in Schaffhausen - simple and secure: sign petitions for referendums electronically (e-collecting)". The issue therefore remains pending with the government.

In July 2020, 152 people submitted the popular motion. In January 2021, the Cantonal Council declared it to be substantial by 33 votes to 17.