Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1923.[1] The first two were held on 18 February on protective custody and a federal resolution on relations with France over the former free trade area of Haute-Savoie.[1] The third was held on 15 April on a popular initiative "for the ensuring of people's rights in questions regarding tariffs", whilst the fourth was held on 3 June on amending articles 31 and 32bis of the constitution regarding alcohol.[1] All four were rejected by voters.[1]
Background
The referendums on protective custody and tariffs were both popular initiatives,[1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and a 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 referendum on relations with France was a "facultative referendum", which required only a simple majority of voters in favour,[2] whilst the referendum on amending the constitution was a mandatory referendum,[1] which also required a double majority.[2]
Results
Protective custody
| Choice
|
Popular vote
|
Cantons
|
| Votes
|
%
|
Full
|
Half
|
Total
|
| For |
55,145 |
11.0 |
0 |
0 |
0
|
| Against |
445,606 |
89.0 |
19 |
6 |
22
|
| Blank votes |
25,109 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
| Invalid votes |
1,016 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
| Total |
526,876 |
100 |
19 |
6 |
22
|
| Registered voters/turnout |
989,661 |
53.2 |
– |
– |
–
|
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver
|
Relations with France
| Choice
|
Votes
|
%
|
| For |
93,982 |
18.5
|
| Against |
414,305 |
81.5
|
| Blank votes |
19,515 |
–
|
| Invalid votes |
1,024 |
–
|
| Total |
528,736 |
100
|
| Registered voters/turnout |
989,661 |
53.4
|
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver
|
Tariffs
| Choice
|
Popular vote
|
Cantons
|
| Votes
|
%
|
Full
|
Half
|
Total
|
| For |
171,020 |
26.8 |
0 |
1 |
0.5
|
| Against |
467,876 |
73.2 |
19 |
5 |
21.5
|
| Blank votes |
10,813 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
| Invalid votes |
1,450 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
| Total |
651,159 |
100 |
19 |
6 |
22
|
| Registered voters/turnout |
990,202 |
65.8 |
– |
– |
–
|
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver
|
Constitutional amendments
| Choice
|
Popular vote
|
Cantons
|
| Votes
|
%
|
Full
|
Half
|
Total
|
| For |
262,688 |
42.2 |
9 |
2 |
10
|
| Against |
360,397 |
57.8 |
10 |
4 |
12
|
| Blank votes |
11,931 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
| Invalid votes |
1,575 |
– |
– |
– |
–
|
| Total |
636,591 |
100 |
19 |
6 |
22
|
| Registered voters/turnout |
985,774 |
64.6 |
– |
– |
–
|
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver
|
References
- ^ a b c d e f Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1909 ISBN 9783832956097
- ^ a b c d e Nohlen & Stöver, p1891