1940 Swiss military referendum

A referendum on the military was held in Switzerland on 1 December 1940.[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of amending articles 103 and 104 of the federal law that detailed the organisation of the Swiss military.[1] The proposal was rejected by 55.7% of voters.[1]

1940 Swiss military referendum
1 December 1940
Introduction of compulsory military preliminary training
Results
Choice
Votes%
Yes345,43044.27%
No434,81755.73%
Valid votes780,24797.76%
Invalid or blank votes17,8382.24%
Total votes798,085100.00%
Registered voters/turnout1,254,57863.61%

Background

The referendum was an optional referendum,[1] which only required a majority of the vote in favour, as opposed to a mandatory referendum, which required both a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons to be in favour.[2]

Results

ChoiceVotes%
For345,43044.3
Against434,81755.7
Blank votes14,716
Invalid votes3,122
Total798,085100
Registered voters/turnout1,254,57863.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References