1897 Swiss referendums

Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1897.^[1] The first was held on 28 February on a federal law establishing a Central Bank, and was rejected by a majority of voters.^[1] The second and third were held on 11 July concerning an amendment to article 24 of the constitution and on legislation on potentially harmful foodstuffs and stimulants.^[1] Both were approved by a majority of voters and cantons.^[1]

The referendums on the constitutional amendment and the foodstuffs legislation 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] The Central Bank referendum was an optional referendum,^[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.^[2]