1875 Swiss referendum

A two-part referendum was held in Switzerland on 23 May 1875.[1] A new federal law establishing and certifying civil status and marriage was narrowly approved, whilst a new federal law on suffrage was narrowly rejected.[1]

Background

This was the first optional referendum held in the country, as all previous referendums had been mandatory referendums.[2] Whilst obligatory referendums required both a majority of voters and a majority of cantons in favour, optional referendums required only a majority of the public vote.[3]

Results

Federal law on the establishment of civil status and marriage

ChoiceVotes%
For213,19951.0
Against205,06949.0
Invalid/blank votes
Total418,268100
Registered voters/turnout
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Federal law on suffrage

ChoiceVotes%
For202,58349.4
Against207,26350.6
Invalid/blank votes
Total409,846100
Registered voters/turnout
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References