The Zurich cantonal parliament only narrowly rejected voting rights for foreigners.
The move was being pushed by the left-wing parties. It would have allowed communes in the canton to make their own decision on whether to give non-Swiss the right to vote on local issues.
It was rejected by 84 votes, to 82 in favour. Two abstained.
Eight cantons, including Vaud and Geneva, allow foreigners to vote as well as hundreds of communes.
Bacteria warning in lakes
Sunny skies and temperatures approaching 30 degrees are expected this weekend, making lakes and rivers popular destinations across. But authorities canton Vaud are warning swimmers about a very real risk: cyanobacteria, which can spread rapidly in warm, still water.
Vengeron beach opens
The Vengeron beach has reopened after being closed since Tuesday due to pollution linked to a ruptured sewage pipe near Geneva Airport.
Nyon family suffers frightening attack
A family in Nyon had a terrifying ordeal when several hooded intruders broke into their house and forced them to open the safe earlier this week.
Lausanne at forefront on antibiotic resistance research
Lausanne is positioning itself at the forefront of fighting antibiotic resistance.
Luxury shoemaker ends Swiss production
Swiss luxury shoemaker Bally is ending shoe production in Switzerland.
Speed camera vandal spared prison
A 52-year-old man from Aargau has avoided prison despite carrying out a major vandalism campaign across Zurich.
