1894 Swiss referendums

Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1894.[1] The first was held on 4 March on a federal resolution to amend the constitution regarding trade and commerce, and was rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The second was held on 3 June on a popular initiative on the right to work, and was rejected by a majority of voters and all cantons.[1] The third was held on 4 November 1894 on a popular initiative on a partial contribution to tariffs from the cantons, and was also rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]

Background

The referendums on the right to work and tariffs were popular initiatives, whilst the referendum on trade was a mandatory referendum.[1] Both types required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and 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]

Results

Trade and commerce

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	135,713	46.1	7	1	7.5
Against	158,492	53.9	12	5	14.5
Blank votes	21,454	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	1,048	–	–	–	–
Total	316,707	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	676,854	46.8	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Right to work

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	75,880	19.8	0	0	0
Against	308,289	80.2	19	6	22
Blank votes	5,865	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	1,993	–	–	–	–
Total	392,027	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	680,731	57.6	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Tariffs

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	145,462	29.3	7	3	8.5
Against	350,639	70.7	12	3	13.5
Blank votes	5,524	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	1,239	–	–	–	–
Total	502,864	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	690,250	72.9	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1904 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891