Glarus

Glarus preserves the Landsgemeinde tradition since 1387—one of only two cantons (with Appenzell Innerrhoden) where registered voters gather annually to elect government and pass laws by show of hands. In 2007, Glarus became unique in Switzerland for lowering voting age to 16, extending democratic participation earlier than any other canton. The industrial economy (mechanical engineering, plastics, electrical) generates GDP per capita exceeding CHF 75,000. The 2024 Landsgemeinde debated public transport expansion, municipal voting rights for foreigners, and car-free Sundays in Klöntal—demonstrating how deliberative democracy handles modern policy complexity.