1923 Swiss referendums

Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1923.[1] The first two were held on 18 February on protective custody and a federal resolution on relations with France over the former free trade area of Haute-Savoie.[1] The third was held on 15 April on a popular initiative "for the ensuring of people's rights in questions regarding tariffs", whilst the fourth was held on 3 June on amending articles 31 and 32bis of the constitution regarding alcohol.[1] All four were rejected by voters.[1]

Background

edit

The referendums on protective custody and tariffs were both popular initiatives,[1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and a majority of the cantons.[2] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[2] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[2] The referendum on relations with France was a "facultative referendum", which required only a simple majority of voters in favour,[2] whilst the referendum on amending the constitution was a mandatory referendum,[1] which also required a double majority.[2]

Results

edit

Protective custody

edit
Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 55,145 11.0 0 0 0
Against 445,606 89.0 19 6 22
Blank votes 25,109
Invalid votes 1,016
Total 526,876 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 989,661 53.2
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Relations with France

edit
Choice Votes %
For 93,982 18.5
Against 414,305 81.5
Blank votes 19,515
Invalid votes 1,024
Total 528,736 100
Registered voters/turnout 989,661 53.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Tariffs

edit
Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 171,020 26.8 0 1 0.5
Against 467,876 73.2 19 5 21.5
Blank votes 10,813
Invalid votes 1,450
Total 651,159 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 990,202 65.8
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendments

edit
Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 262,688 42.2 9 2 10
Against 360,397 57.8 10 4 12
Blank votes 11,931
Invalid votes 1,575
Total 636,591 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 985,774 64.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e f Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1909 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c d e Nohlen & Stöver, p1891