1903 Swiss referendums

Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1903.[1] The first was held on 15 March on a federal law on tariffs, and was approved by 59.6% of voters.[1] The second, third and fourth were all held on 25 October concerning an amendment to the federal criminal law, a popular initiative on Swiss residents electing the National Council and an amendment to article 32bis of the constitution.[1] All three were rejected by voters.[1]

Background

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The referendums on tariffs and the federal criminal law were optional referendums,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2] The referendum on the changes to National Council elections was popular initiative and the referendum on the constitutional amendment was a mandatory referendum,[1] both of 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]

Results

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Tariffs

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Choice Votes %
For 332,001 59.6
Against 225,123 40.4
Blank votes 3,529
Invalid votes 2,216
Total 562,869 100
Registered voters/turnout 768,125 73.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Criminal law

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Choice Votes %
For 117,694 30.8
Against 264,085 69.2
Blank votes 15,099
Invalid votes 12,007
Total 408,885 100
Registered voters/turnout 768,105 53.2
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

National Council elections

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 95,131 24.4 3 2 4
Against 295,085 75.6 16 4 18
Blank votes 13,460
Invalid votes 5,363
Total 409,039 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 768,105 53.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Amendment of article 32bis of the constitution

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 156,777 40.7 4 0 4
Against 228,094 59.3 15 6 18
Blank votes 14,674
Invalid votes 8,307
Total 407,852 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 768,105 53.1
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, p1906 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c d Nohlen & Stöver, p1891