Graubünden: nine candidates vie for five government seats

Context

TL;DR

• Graubünden votes June 14, 2026 for 5 govt seats
• 9 candidates: 4 incumbents, 2 new, 3 opposition
• Cross-border workers may see policy shifts
• Voting details published April 21, 2024

Key facts

• Election Date: 14 June 2026
• Number of Seats: 5 out of 7 seats
• Number of Candidates: 9 candidates
• Incumbents Running: Marcus Caduff, Carmelia Maissen, Martin Bühler, Peter Peyer
• New Candidates: Aita Zanetti, Maurizio Michael, Valérie Favre Accola, Nora Saratz Cazin, Reto Bott
• Cross-border Impact: Potential changes in labour market access policies or public services
• Publication Date: 21 April 2024
• Withdrawal Deadline: 21 April 2024 at noon

On 14 June 2026, the citizens of the Canton of Graubünden will vote to renew five of the seven seats in the cantonal government. The State Chancellery has today published the definitive list of the nine candidates running for the five available positions. The deadline for submitting candidacies expired on 13 April, while the possibility of withdrawing proposals closed at noon today. Starting Monday, 21 April, the candidates' names will be officially published in the Canton's Official Gazette.

The four incumbents seeking re-election

Four of the five seats up for renewal are currently held by incumbent members who have submitted their candidacies for another term. Among them are Marcus Caduff and Carmelia Maissen, both from the Centre Party, who have been serving in the government since 2019 and 2023, respectively. The FDP.The Liberals (FDP) is represented by Martin Bühler, a member of the executive since 2023, while the Social Democratic Party (SP) is fielding Peter Peyer, who has been in office since 2019. The only outgoing member not seeking re-election is Jon Domenic Parolini (Centre Party), who left the government after eleven years in office, having first been elected in 2015.

Party strategies: Centre, FDP and SP on the defensive

The Centre Party aims to retain its three seats from the previous election by presenting Aita Zanetti, mayor of Scuol, as its new candidate. The FDP.The Liberals is backing incumbent Bühler alongside Maurizio Michael, a Grand Councillor from Bregaglia, while the SP is fielding only Peyer, without any other high-profile names. The race for the remaining open seats thus hinges on the other two governing parties: the Swiss People's Party (SVP) and the Green Liberal Party (GLP).

The challenges facing the SVP and GLP

The SVP, an opposition party, is aiming to win a seat by nominating Valérie Favre Accola, deputy mayor of Davos and current President of the Graubünden Grand Council. The Green Liberal Party, meanwhile, is proposing Nora Saratz Cazin, mayor of Pontresina, as its candidate. Rounding out the list of nine names is Reto Bott, born in 2002, a law student from S-chanf and the only candidate running as an independent.

💡 What changes for cross-border workers from Ticino? The composition of the Graubünden government directly impacts the management of relations with Ticino, particularly in areas such as cross-border work, healthcare, and transport. Cross-border workers living in the districts of Moesa, Poschiavo, and Bernina, which border Lombardy, may see changes in labour market access policies or public services. However, responsibility for cross-border worker policies remains with the Confederation and individual cantons, meaning there will be no immediate changes following these elections.

Key dates ahead

Following the official publication of the candidates, the election campaign will kick off with public meetings and debates. Graubünden citizens will cast their votes on 14 June 2026, while cross-border workers from Ticino can follow developments through local news channels and the cantonal government's official communications.

Operational details

Party strategies: between continuity and innovation

The governing parties in the Canton of Graubünden have opted for a line of continuity ahead of the 14 June 2026 elections, banking on politicians already experienced in cantonal politics. The Centre Party, which currently holds three seats, has chosen to reaffirm its two outgoing members, Caduff and Maissen, and to bring in Aita Zanetti, mayor of Scuol, to maintain its influence. The FDP.The Liberals, with Bühler and Michael, are also confirming their presence in an executive historically dominated by moderate parties. The Social Democratic Party (SP), on the other hand, is relying solely on Peyer, without proposing any alternative candidates—a sign of a defensive strategy in a complex political context.

The opposition: SVP and Green Liberals seeking space

The Swiss People’s Party (SVP), traditionally underrepresented in the Graubünden government, is backing Valérie Favre Accola, a prominent figure in the party and President of the Grand Council. Her candidacy represents an attempt to bring a more conservative voice into the executive, particularly on issues such as immigration and public service management. The Green Liberals, meanwhile, are putting forward Nora Saratz Cazin, mayor of Pontresina, as an environmentalist and progressive candidate, in line with the party’s energy and sustainability policies. Both parties will be aiming to win a seat from one of the governing parties, but the challenge looks set to be an uphill one given the numerical advantage of the traditional parties.

The independent candidate: an element of surprise

Reto Bott, born in 2002 and a law student, is the only candidate not affiliated with a party. His presence introduces an element of uncertainty, particularly if he is able to attract support among young voters or those seeking an alternative to the traditional parties. However, his solitary candidacy could split the vote without significantly impacting the election outcome.

📊 Impact on policies for cross-border workers

The Graubünden government elections will not bring about immediate changes for Ticino’s cross-border workers, but they could indirectly influence certain policies. For example, the management of public transport between Ticino and Graubünden, as well as access to healthcare services for cross-border workers, could be subject to shifts depending on the new executive’s priorities. Cross-border workers living in border municipalities such as Brusio, Poschiavo, or Brusio should keep a close eye on political developments, particularly in light of any potential changes to cantonal regulations that could affect their rights.

Comparison with previous elections

Compared to 2022, when Caduff, Maissen, Bühler, and Peyer were elected, this election sees the departure of Parolini and the arrival of two new names: Aita Zanetti and Maurizio Michael. Moreover, the presence of an independent candidate like Bott, along with challenges from the SVP and Green Liberals, represents a novelty compared to previous elections, which were marked by more limited competition. The confirmation of two women among the candidates (Maissen and Zanetti) reflects a trend towards greater female representation in Graubünden cantonal politics.

Possible scenarios after the vote

If the governing parties (Centre, FDP.The Liberals, and SP) manage to retain their seats, the composition of the executive will remain largely unchanged, with possible variations only in the distribution of portfolios. Should the SVP or Green Liberals gain a seat, however, there could be shifts in budget policies, public service management, or relations with Ticino. Cross-border workers should prepare for potential changes in cantonal regulations, especially if the new executive members have different priorities from those currently in place.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

How to follow the elections and what to do after voting

Grisons residents will be able to vote on 14 June 2026 either at the polling station or by post. The ballot paper will be published in the official cantonal gazette starting Monday, 21 April, along with the candidates' profiles. Cross-border workers from Ticino living in the border districts (Moesa, Poschiavo, Bernina) are advised to follow updates through the official channels of the Graubünden government and the State Chancellery.

Practical steps for cross-border workers

1. Consult the official list of candidates: From Monday, 21 April, the definitive list will be available in the official cantonal gazette. Cross-border workers can check the names of candidates and their political platforms to assess any potential future implications.

2. Monitor public debates: In the months leading up to the vote, political parties will organise public meetings and debates. Interested cross-border workers can attend events in border municipalities or tune in to local broadcasts such as RSI Rete Due or TV Südostschweiz to hear candidates' positions on key issues like employment, healthcare, and transport.

3. Check for any changes to voting procedures: Ticino cross-border workers who wish to vote in Graubünden must ensure they are registered on the cantonal electoral rolls. Registration can be completed at the municipal offices in their Ticino place of residence, by presenting a valid ID and a residence certificate.

4. Prepare for potential regulatory changes: After the elections, citizens and cross-border workers should keep an eye on updates from the new Graubünden government, particularly regarding transport, healthcare, and employment policies. Any changes to cantonal regulations could affect cross-border workers' rights, for example concerning access to healthcare services or public transport.

📊 Useful tools for cross-border workers

• Net salary calculator: To assess the impact of any tax or regulatory changes on personal income.
• Ticino-Graubünden border map: To identify border municipalities and access crossings.
• Guide to residency in Switzerland: For those wishing to relocate or regularise their status in Ticino.

What happens after the vote?

Within a few days of 14 June, the newly elected Graubünden government will be sworn in and set its priorities. Ticino cross-border workers can follow developments through official communications from the cantonal government and updates from local media. Should there be significant changes to border policies, Frontaliere Ticino will publish practical guides to help cross-border workers adapt to the new rules.

Source: tvsvizzera.it