1900 Swiss referendums

Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1900.[1] The first was held on 20 May on a federal law on health, accident and military insurance, and was rejected by 69.8% of voters.[1] The second and third were held on 4 November on introducing proportional representation for National Council elections and the direct election and increase in members of the Federal Council.[1] Both were rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]

Background

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The referendums on the changes to the National and Federal Councils were 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 insurance referendum was an optional referendum,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2]

Results

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Accident, health and military insurance

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Choice Votes %
For 148,035 30.2
Against 341,914 69.8
Blank votes 5,636
Invalid votes 1,765
Total 497,350 100
Registered voters/turnout 745,228 66.7
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Introducing proportional representation for National Council elections

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 169,008 40.9 9 3 10.5
Against 244,666 59.1 10 3 11.5
Blank votes 17,539
Invalid votes 7,898
Total 439,111 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 747,262 58.8
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Introducing direct elections for an enlarged Federal Council

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 145,926 35.0 7 2 8
Against 270,522 65.0 12 4 14
Blank votes 15,734
Invalid votes 7,316
Total 439,498 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 747,262 58.8
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1905–1906 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c d Nohlen & Stöver, p1891