Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1919.[1] The first two were held on 4 May on amending the constitution to add article 24ter on shipping, and on a constitutional amendment to impose a war tax.[1] Both proposals were approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The third was held on 10 August on temporary amendments to article 73 of the constitution, and was also approved in spite of low turnout.[1]
Background
All three referendums 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]
Results
Constitutional amendment on shipping
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
399,131
83.6
19
6
22
Against
78,260
16.4
0
0
0
Blank votes
19,329
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
8,401
–
–
–
–
Total
505,121
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
937,257
53.9
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Constitutional amendment on a war tax
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
307,528
65.1
17
6
20
Against
165,119
34.9
2
0
2
Blank votes
20,920
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
10,347
–
–
–
–
Total
503,914
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
937,257
53.8
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Temporary amendment of article 73
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
200,008
71.6
19
5
21.5
Against
79,369
28.4
0
1
0.5
Blank votes
19,708
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
6,710
–
–
–
–
Total
305,795
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
931,523
32.8
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References
^ abcdeDieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1907 ISBN 9783832956097