A four-part referendum was held in Switzerland on 11 May 1884.[1] All four were rejected by voters.[1]
Background
All four referendums were optional referendums,[1] which meant that only a majority of the public vote was required for the proposals to be approved, as opposed to a mandatory referendum which required both a majority of voters and cantons.[2]
Results
Question I
Question I asked whether a federal law on the organisation of the federal departments for justice and the police should be enacted.[1]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 149,729 | 41.1 |
| Against | 214,916 | 58.9 |
| Invalid votes | 16,495 | – |
| Total | 381,140 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 634,299 | 60.1 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
Question II
Question II asked voters whether they approved of a federal resolution on patent taxes for salesmen.[1]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 174,195 | 47.9 |
| Against | 189,550 | 52.1 |
| Invalid votes | 17,370 | – |
| Total | 381,115 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 634,299 | 60.1 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
Question III
Question III asked voters whether they approved of an amendment to the federal criminal law made on 4 February 1853.[1]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 159,068 | 44.0 |
| Against | 202,773 | 56.0 |
| Invalid votes | 19,146 | – |
| Total | 380,987 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 634,299 | 60.1 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
Question IV
Question IV asked voters whether they approved of a federal resolution on a 10,000 CHF contribution to the cost of the Swiss embassy in Washington, D.C.[1]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 137,824 | 38.5 |
| Against | 219,728 | 61.5 |
| Invalid votes | 23,455 | – |
| Total | 381,007 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 634,299 | 60.1 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
