1891 Swiss referendums

Five referendums were held in Switzerland in 1891.[1] The first was held on 15 March on a federal law on federal officials who had become unemployable due to disability, and was rejected by 79.4% of voters.[1] The second was held on 5 July on a constitutional amendment, and was approved by 60.3% of voters.[1] Two referendums were held on 18 October, one on revising article 39 of the federal constitution and one on a federal law on Swiss tariffs; both were approved.[1] The last was held on 6 December on the question of whether the federal government should purchase the Swiss Central Railway, but was rejected by 68.9% of voters.[1]

Background

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The two constitutional referendums were mandatory referendums,[1] which required both a majority of voters and cantons.[2] The other three were optional referendums,[1] which meant that only a majority of the public vote was required for the proposals to be approved.[2]

Results

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Federal officials law

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Choice Votes %
For 91,851 20.6
Against 353,977 79.4
Blank votes 2,984
Invalid votes 2,516
Total 451,328 100
Registered voters/turnout 657,779 68.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment (July)

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 183,029 60.3 16 4 18
Against 120,599 39.7 3 2 4
Blank votes 15,398
Invalid votes 1,330
Total 320,356 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 641,692 49.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment (October)

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 231,578 59.3 12 4 14
Against 158,615 40.7 7 2 8
Blank votes 13,400
Invalid votes 1,890
Total 405,483 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 654,372 62.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Tariffs

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Choice Votes %
For 220,004 58.1
Against 158,934 41.9
Blank votes 22,034
Invalid votes 1,840
Total 402,812 100
Registered voters/turnout 654,372 61.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Central railway purchase

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Choice Votes %
For 130,729 31.3
Against 289,406 68.9
Blank votes
Invalid votes
Total 420,135 100
Registered voters/turnout 653,792
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1904 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b Nohlen & Stöver, p1891