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

The referendums on protective custody and tariffs were both popular initiatives,[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] 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

Protective custody

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

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

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

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

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1909 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891