1922 Swiss referendums

Five referendums were held in Switzerland during 1922.[1][2] The first three were held on 11 June on the process of obtaining Swiss citizenship, on expelling foreigners and on the eligibility of federal officials to stand in National Council elections.[1] All three were rejected.[1] The fourth was held on 24 September on an amendment of the criminal law regarding constitutional and domestic security, and was also rejected.[1] The fifth was held on 3 December on introducing a one-off property tax, and was rejected by a wide margin.[1]

Background

The referendums on citizenship, expelling foreigners, federal officials and the one-off property tax were all popular initiatives,[1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.[3] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[3] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[3] The referendum on the criminal law was an optional referendum,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[3]

Results

Citizenship

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 65,828 15.9 0 0 0
Against 347,988 84.1 19 6 22
Blank votes 30,259
Invalid votes 1,025
Total 445,100 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 976,105 45.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Expulsion of foreigners

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 159,200 38.1 0 0 0
Against 258,881 61.9 19 6 22
Blank votes 25,991
Invalid votes 1,028
Total 445,100 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 976,105 45.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Electoral eligibility of federal officials

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 160,181 38.4 4 2 5
Against 257,469 61.6 15 4 17
Blank votes 26,433
Invalid votes 1,017
Total 445,100 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 976,105 45.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Amendment of the criminal law

Choice Votes %
For 303,794 44.6
Against 376,832 55.4
Blank votes 8,058
Invalid votes 2,160
Total 690,844 100
Registered voters/turnout 982,567 70.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

One-off property tax

Poster artwork by Jules Courvoisier demanding a "no" vote on the initiative
Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 109,702 13.0 0 0 0
Against 736,952 87.0 19 6 22
Blank votes 7,525
Invalid votes 1,969
Total 856,148 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 992,523 86.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1908–1909 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ Brooks, Robert C. (1922). "Swiss Initiative Votes of June 11, 1922". American Political Science Review. 16 (4): 659–661. doi:10.2307/1943646. ISSN 0003-0554.
  3. ^ a b c d Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1922_Swiss_referendums&oldid=1198303186"