1919 Swiss referendums

Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1919.[1] The first two were held on 4 May on amending the constitution to add article 24ter on shipping, and on a constitutional amendment to impose a war tax.[1] Both proposals were approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The third was held on 10 August on temporary amendments to article 73 of the constitution, and was also approved in spite of low turnout.[1]

Background

All three referendums were mandatory referendums,[1] 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

Constitutional amendment on shipping

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For399,13183.619622
Against78,26016.4000
Blank votes19,329
Invalid votes8,401
Total505,12110019622
Registered voters/turnout937,25753.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment on a war tax

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For307,52865.117620
Against165,11934.9202
Blank votes20,920
Invalid votes10,347
Total503,91410019622
Registered voters/turnout937,25753.8
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Temporary amendment of article 73

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For200,00871.619521.5
Against79,36928.4010.5
Blank votes19,708
Invalid votes6,710
Total305,79510019622
Registered voters/turnout931,52332.8
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References