"Against 1: Vote secrecy is not guaranteed
According to data protection specialists, e-voting invalidates voting secrecy because not all transactions are comprehensible to the voter. The systems currently available cannot protect privacy in the user environment, meaning that a malware-infected computer could violate the confidentiality of the vote.
Against 2: Elections and votes can be manipulated
The biggest problem, say critics, are security risks such as hacking, vote-buying and other manipulations. By introducing a virus into a computer, votes could be altered. If elections or votes can be manipulated on a large scale by criminals, foreign intelligence services or companies, this would mean the end of democracy, critics warn.
Against 3: A recount is not possible
Unlike physical ballots, electronic votes cannot be counted manually. With e-voting, the counting is done centrally. There are no individuals to add up votes or election observers who ensure that the voting process runs smoothly and checks are carried out. Citizens must blindly trust the e-voting system.
Against 4: E-voting is expensive
Opponents argue that the costs of e-voting are extortionate: at least CHF700 million ($736 million) would be required to introduce e-voting across Switzerland. An electronically delivered vote is considerably more expensive than a vote posted in an envelope.
Against 5: The introduction of e-voting is undemocratic
Two-thirds of all cantons may in theory vote electronically by 2019. However, the legal basis for this is still lacking and should be finalised only in 2020/21. That is when parliament and voters – if there is a referendum - will be able to decide. Critics complain that e-voting is therefore being introduced prematurely and without any democratic decision."
