1884 Swiss referendum

A four-part referendum was held in Switzerland on 11 May 1884.[1] All four were rejected by voters.[1]

Background

All four referendums were optional referendums,[1] which meant that only a majority of the public vote was required for the proposals to be approved, as opposed to a mandatory referendum which required both a majority of voters and cantons.[2]

Results

Question I

Question I asked whether a federal law on the organisation of the federal departments for justice and the police should be enacted.[1]

Choice	Votes	%
For	149,729	41.1
Against	214,916	58.9
Invalid votes	16,495	–
Total	381,140	100
Registered voters/turnout	634,299	60.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question II

Question II asked voters whether they approved of a federal resolution on patent taxes for salesmen.[1]

Choice	Votes	%
For	174,195	47.9
Against	189,550	52.1
Invalid votes	17,370	–
Total	381,115	100
Registered voters/turnout	634,299	60.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question III

Question III asked voters whether they approved of an amendment to the federal criminal law made on 4 February 1853.[1]

Choice	Votes	%
For	159,068	44.0
Against	202,773	56.0
Invalid votes	19,146	–
Total	380,987	100
Registered voters/turnout	634,299	60.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question IV

Question IV asked voters whether they approved of a federal resolution on a 10,000 CHF contribution to the cost of the Swiss embassy in Washington, D.C..[1]

Choice	Votes	%
For	137,824	38.5
Against	219,728	61.5
Invalid votes	23,455	–
Total	381,007	100
Registered voters/turnout	634,299	60.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1903 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891