1919 Swiss referendums

Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1919.[1] The first two were held on 4 May on amending the constitution to add article 24ter on shipping, and on a constitutional amendment to impose a war tax.[1] Both proposals were approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The third was held on 10 August on temporary amendments to article 73 of the constitution, and was also approved.[1]

Background

All three referendums were mandatory referendums,[1] which 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

Constitutional amendment on shipping

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	399,131	83.6	19	6	22
Against	78,260	16.4	0	0	0
Blank votes	19,329	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	8,401	–	–	–	–
Total	505,121	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	937,257	53.9	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment on a war tax

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	307,528	65.1	17	6	20
Against	165,119	34.9	2	0	2
Blank votes	20,920	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	10,347	–	–	–	–
Total	503,914	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	937,257	53.8	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Temporary amendment of article 73

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	200,008	71.6	19	5	21.5
Against	79,369	28.4	0	1	0.5
Blank votes	19,708	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	6,710	–	–	–	–
Total	305,795	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	931,523	32.8	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1907 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891