1866 Swiss referendum

A nine-part referendum was held in Switzerland on 14 January 1866.[1] Only two proposals received a majority of votes in favour, and only one had both a majority of votes and majority of cantons.[1]

Background

In order to pass, the referendums needed 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

Question I – weights and measures

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	159,182	50.4	8	3	9.5
Against	156,396	49.6	11	3	12.5
Invalid/blank votes		–	–	–	–
Total	315,578	100	19	6	22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question II – equality of rights to settlement for Jews and naturalised people

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	170,032	53.2	11	3	12.5
Against	149,401	46.8	8	3	9.5
Invalid/blank votes		–	–	–	–
Total	319,433	100	19	6	22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question III – local suffrage for settled people

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	137,321	43.1	7	2	8
Against	181,441	56.9	12	4	14
Invalid/blank votes		–	–	–	–
Total	318,762	100	19	6	22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question IV – taxation and civil rights of settled people

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	125,924	39.9	8	2	9
Against	189,830	60.1	11	4	13
Invalid/blank votes		–	–	–	–
Total	315,754	100	19	6	22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question V – cantonal suffrage for settled people

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	153,469	48.1	9	2	10
Against	165,679	51.9	10	4	12
Invalid/blank votes		–	–	–	–
Total	319,148	100	19	6	22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question VI – religious and cultural freedom

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	157,629	49.2	10	2	11
Against	162,992	50.8	9	4	11
Invalid/blank votes		–	–	–	–
Total	320,621	100	19	6	22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question VII – criminal law

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	108,364	34.2	6	1	6.5
Against	208,619	65.8	13	5	15.5
Invalid/blank votes		–	–	–	–
Total	316,983	100	19	6	22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question VIII – copyright law

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	137,476	43.7	8	3	9.5
Against	177,386	56.3	11	3	12.5
Invalid/blank votes		–	–	–	–
Total	314,862	100	19	6	22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question IX – prohibition of gambling and lotteries

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	139,062	44.0	8	3	9.5
Against	176,788	56.0	11	3	12.5
Invalid/blank votes		–	–	–	–
Total	315,850	100	19	6	22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1901-1902 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891