1939 Swiss referendums

Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1939.[1] The first two were held on 22 January on a popular initiative on civil rights (which was rejected) and a federal resolution on the restricted use of the urgency clause in the constitution (which was approved).[1] The third was held on 4 June on a constitutional amendment regarding the funding for government policies on defence and unemployment, and was approved by voters.[1] The fourth was held on 3 December on a federal law on the employment status and insurance for federal civil servants, and was rejected by voters.[1]

Background

The referendums on the urgency clause and the funding of defence and unemployment policies both involved amending the constitution, and so were "obligatory" referendums,[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 popular initiative on civil rights also required a double majority, whilst the referendum on civil servants was an optional referendum,[1] requiring only a majority of voters in favour to pass.[2]

Results

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For141,32328.9000
Against347,34071.119622
Blank votes77,687
Invalid votes3,211
Total569,56110019622
Registered voters/turnout1,223,53646.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

January: Use of the urgency clause

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For346,02469.118621
Against155,03230.9101
Blank votes65,459
Invalid votes3,046
Total569,56110019622
Registered voters/turnout1,223,53646.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

June: Funding for defence and unemployment policy

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For445,62269.116619
Against199,54030.9303
Blank votes24,871
Invalid votes1,420
Total671,45310019622
Registered voters/turnout1,226,87354.7
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

December: Civil servants

Choice Votes %
For290,23837.6
Against481,03562.4
Blank votes19,524
Invalid votes2,102
Total792,899100
Registered voters/turnout1,241,40463.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1912 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
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