1887 Swiss referendums

Two referendums were held in Switzerland in 1887.[1] The first was held on 15 May, asking voters whether they approved of a federal law on spirits, and was approved by 65.9% of voters.[1] The second was held on 10 July, asking voters whether they approved of an amendment made to article 64 of the federal constitution, and was approved by 77.9% of voters and 20.5 cantons.[2]

Background

The spirits referendum was an optional referendum,[1] which meant that only a majority of the public vote was required for the proposal to be approved.[3] The constitutional referendum was a mandatory referendum,[1] which required both a majority of voters and cantons.[3]

Results

Federal spirits law

Choice	Votes	%
For	267,122	65.9
Against	138,496	34.1
Invalid votes		–
Total	405,618	100
Registered voters/turnout	649,494
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	203,506	77.9	18	5	20.5
Against	57,862	22.1	1	1	1.5
Invalid/blank votes	12,978	–	–	–	–
Total	274,346	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	647,071	42.4	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1903 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, pp1903-1904
3. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891