1915 Swiss war tax referendum

A referendum on a war tax was held in Switzerland on 6 June 1915.[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of amending the constitution to introduce a one-off war tax during the First World War, which Switzerland remained neutral.[1] It was approved by a large majority of voters and all cantons,[1] the first time a referendum had been passed in every canton.[2]

1915 Swiss war tax referendum
6 June 1915
Federal Decree concerning the enactment of an article of the Federal Constitution for the levying of a one-off war tax
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 452,117 94.27%
No 27,461 5.73%
Valid votes 479,578 98.24%
Invalid or blank votes 8,589 1.76%
Total votes 488,167 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 871,476 56.02%

Background

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The referendum was a mandatory referendum,[1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.[3] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[3] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[3]

Results

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 452,117 94.3 19 6 22
Against 27,461 5.7 0 0 0
Blank votes 5,646
Invalid votes 2,943
Total 488,167 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 871,476 56.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1907 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ Nohlen & Stöver, pp1900-1907
  3. ^ a b c Nohlen & Stöver, p1891