1900 Swiss referendums

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

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1905–1906 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891