1895 Swiss referendums

Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1895.[1] The first was held on 3 February on a popular initiative on a federal law on Swiss embassies abroad, and was rejected by a majority of voters.[1] The second was held on 29 September on a federal resolution on amending the constitution regarding the institution of a match monopoly, and was rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The third was held on 3 November on a constitutional amendment regarding the military, and was also rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]

Background

The referendums on a match monopoly and the military 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 embassies referendum was an optional referendum,[2] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2]

Results

Embassies

Choice	Votes	%
For	124,517	41.2
Against	177,991	58.8
Blank votes	11,992	–
Invalid votes	4,781	–
Total	319,281	100
Registered voters/turnout	689,180	46.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Match monopoly

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	140,174	43.2	6	3	7.5
Against	184,109	56.8	13	3	14.5
Blank votes	9,442	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	2,236	–	–	–	–
Total	335,961	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	690,592	48.6	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment on the military

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	195,178	42.0	4	1	4.5
Against	269,751	58.0	15	5	17.5
Blank votes	7,066	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	1,277	–	–	–	–
Total	473,272	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	697,131	67.9	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1904–1905 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891