1935 Swiss referendums

Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1935.[1] The first was held on 24 February on a federal law reorganising the military, and was approved by voters.[1] The second was held on 5 May on a federal law on the transport of goods and animals on roads, and was rejected by two-thirds of voters.[1] The third was held on 2 June on a popular initiative "to combat the economic crisis" and was also rejected by voters.[1] The fourth was held on 8 September on a popular initiative "for a total revision of the federal constitution", and was rejected by 72% of voters.[1]

Background

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The June referendum on the popular initiative "to combat the economic crisis" was a mandatory referendum,[1] requiring 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 February and March referendums were "optional", whilst the September referendum was a "process initiating decision",[1] both of which required only a majority of the public vote.[2]

Results

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February: Reorganisation of the military

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Choice Votes %
For 507,434 54.2
Against 429,520 45.8
Blank votes 11,459
Invalid votes 2,267
Total 950,680 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,189,573 79.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

May: Transport of goods and animals

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Choice Votes %
For 232,954 32.3
Against 487,169 67.7
Blank votes 30,393
Invalid votes 1,210
Total 751,726 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,190,054 63.2
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

June: Combating the economic crisis

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 425,242 42.8 4 2 5
Against 567,425 57.2 15 4 17
Blank votes 12,575
Invalid votes 2,043
Total 1,007,285 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,194,129 84.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

September: Total revision of the constitution

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Choice Votes %
For 196,135 27.7
Against 511,578 72.3
Blank votes 17,853
Invalid votes 1,497
Total 727,063 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,193,941 60.9
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, p1911 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c d Nohlen & Stöver, p1891