Five referendums were held in Switzerland during 1931.[1] The first was held on 8 February on a federal resolution on a petition for a referendum on article 12 of the constitution concerning bans on religious orders, and was approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The second and third were held on 15 March on revising article 72 of the constitution concerning the election of the National Council and on revising article 76, 96 and 105 on the legislative term.[1] Both were approved.[1] The fourth and fifth were held on 6 December on a federal law on aged and bereavement insurance and a federal law on tobacco taxation. Both were rejected.[1]
Background
The February and March referendums were "obligatory",[1] requiring 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 December referendums were "optional",[1] and required only a majority of the public vote.[2]
Results
February: Petition for a referendum on article 12
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
293,845
70.2
14
6
17
Against
124,804
29.8
5
0
5
Blank votes
39,649
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
2,142
–
–
–
–
Total
460,440
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,100,670
41.8
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
March: Election of the National Council
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
296,053
53.9
11
5
13.5
Against
253,382
46.1
8
1
8.5
Blank votes
38,517
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
2,490
–
–
–
–
Total
590,442
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,104,113
53.5
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
March: Legislative terms
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
297,938
53.7
14
4
16
Against
256,919
46.3
5
2
6
Blank votes
33,477
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
2,108
–
–
–
–
Total
590,442
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,104,113
53.5
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
December: Aged and bereavement insurance
Choice
Votes
%
For
338,032
39.7
Against
513,512
60.3
Blank votes
24,846
–
Invalid votes
2,673
–
Total
879,063
100
Registered voters/turnout
1,124,881
78.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
December: Tobacco tax
Choice
Votes
%
For
423,523
49.9
Against
425,449
50.1
Blank votes
27,498
–
Invalid votes
2,593
–
Total
879,063
100
Registered voters/turnout
1,124,881
78.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References
^ a b c d e f gNohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp. 1910–1911. ISBN9783832956097
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