Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1900.[1] The first was held on 20 May on a federal law on health, accident and military insurance, and was rejected by 69.8% of voters.[1] The second and third were held on 4 November on introducing proportional representation for National Council elections and the direct election and increase in members of the Federal Council.[1] Both were rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]
Background
The referendums on the changes to the National and Federal Councils were popular initiatives,[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 insurance referendum was an optional referendum,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2]
Results
Accident, health and military insurance
Choice
|
Votes
|
%
|
For |
148,035 |
30.2
|
Against |
341,914 |
69.8
|
Blank votes |
5,636 |
–
|
Invalid votes |
1,765 |
–
|
Total |
497,350 |
100
|
Registered voters/turnout |
745,228 |
66.7
|
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
|
Introducing proportional representation for National Council elections
Choice
|
Popular vote
|
Cantons
|
Votes
|
%
|
Full
|
Half
|
Total
|
For |
169,008 |
40.9 |
9 |
3 |
10.5
|
Against |
244,666 |
59.1 |
10 |
3 |
11.5
|
Blank votes |
17,539 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
Invalid votes |
7,898 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
Total |
439,111 |
100 |
19 |
6 |
22
|
Registered voters/turnout |
747,262 |
58.8 |
– |
– |
–
|
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
|
Introducing direct elections for an enlarged Federal Council
Choice
|
Popular vote
|
Cantons
|
Votes
|
%
|
Full
|
Half
|
Total
|
For |
145,926 |
35.0 |
7 |
2 |
8
|
Against |
270,522 |
65.0 |
12 |
4 |
14
|
Blank votes |
15,734 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
Invalid votes |
7,316 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
Total |
439,498 |
100 |
19 |
6 |
22
|
Registered voters/turnout |
747,262 |
58.8 |
– |
– |
–
|
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
|
References
- ^ a b c d e f Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1905–1906 ISBN 9783832956097
- ^ a b c d Nohlen & Stöver, p1891