Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1903.[1] The first was held on 15 March on a federal law on tariffs, and was approved by 59.6% of voters.[1] The second, third and fourth were all held on 25 October concerning an amendment to the federal criminal law, a popular initiative on Swiss residents electing the National Council and an amendment to article 32bis of the constitution.[1] All three were rejected by voters.[1]
Background
The referendums on tariffs and the federal criminal law were optional referendums,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2] The referendum on the changes to National Council elections was popular initiative and the referendum on the constitutional amendment was a mandatory referendum,[1] both of 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
Tariffs
| Choice | Votes | % |
| For | 332,001 | 59.6 |
| Against | 225,123 | 40.4 |
| Blank votes | 3,529 | – |
| Invalid votes | 2,216 | – |
| Total | 562,869 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 768,125 | 73.3 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Criminal law
| Choice | Votes | % |
| For | 117,694 | 30.8 |
| Against | 264,085 | 69.2 |
| Blank votes | 15,099 | – |
| Invalid votes | 12,007 | – |
| Total | 408,885 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 768,105 | 53.2 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
National Council elections
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
| For | 95,131 | 24.4 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Against | 295,085 | 75.6 | 16 | 4 | 18 |
| Blank votes | 13,460 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 5,363 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 409,039 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 768,105 | 53.3 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Amendment of article 32bis of the constitution
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
| For | 156,777 | 40.7 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Against | 228,094 | 59.3 | 15 | 6 | 18 |
| Blank votes | 14,674 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 8,307 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 407,852 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 768,105 | 53.1 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
References
- ^ a b c d e f Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1906 ISBN 9783832956097
- ^ a b c d Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
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