Almost all cantons use the simple majority system to elect members of the Council of States. The cantons of Jura and Neuchâtel hold elections based on the system of proportional representation.

In cantons using the simple majority system, candidates must receive an absolute majority of votes – more than 50% – in order to win an election.

The election goes into a second round of voting if none of the candidates have reached an absolute majority after the first round. In the second round, a relative majority is sufficient: the candidate receiving the most votes wins, even if they do not exceed the 50% threshold.