One vote blocks new sports hall in Häggenschwil

A single vote has blocked a nearly 10 million-franc construction loan for a new sports hall in Häggenschwil, leaving the village divided over what should happen next, SRF reports.

The final count was 336 votes against and 335 in favour. The ballots were counted again, but the result did not change. Mayor Raffael Gemperle said the recount confirmed that the votes had been tallied correctly and that he had never experienced such a close result.

The ballots have been placed in a sealed envelope and secured in a safe so they can be checked again if an appeal is filed. The narrow defeat was still prompting surprise a day later. The owner of the village shop said the village was “halved”, while others said the result was “incredible” and would be discussed for a long time.

Supporters say the existing hall is too small for the school and local clubs. Walter Schwizer, who was involved in the project, said there was not enough space for children and that not all physical education lessons could take place. He described how the school and clubs compete for hall time, with sport giving way when a municipal assembly is held.

The project has already faced earlier votes. In November 2023, the municipal assembly rejected an initial planning credit. In June 2025, it approved a 650,000-franc project-planning credit by 123 votes to 49. The construction loan has now failed at the ballot box.

Political scientist Michael Hermann of the Sotomo research institute said results decided by a single vote were very rare. He said the role of chance in such a decision was not a contradiction of democracy. Even a tie, he added, would have meant the hall was rejected.

The new hall is off the table for now, while the space shortage cited by supporters remains. Some on the yes side want another vote; opponents regard that as needless pressure.