National Council elections are held according to the simple majority system in six cantons (UR, GL, OW, NW, AR, AI). The candidate with the highest number of votes (simple majority) is elected.
The simple majority system is used in most cantons for elections to the Council of States. Elections take place in two rounds: In the first round, whoever obtains an absolute majority is elected; if any seats remain to be allocated, a second round is necessary. The cantons determine which requirements must be met in order to be eligible for the second round. In the second round, the person who obtains the most votes (relative majority) is elected.
The simple majority system is also used in most cantons for the election of members of the cantonal government.