1866 Swiss referendum

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A nine-part referendum was held in Switzerland on 14 January 1866. [1] Only two proposals received a majority of votes in favour, and only one had both a majority of votes and majority of cantons. [1]

Contents

Background

In order to pass, the referendums needed 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

Question I – weights and measures

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For159,18250.4839.5
Against156,39649.611312.5
Invalid/blank votes
Total315,57810019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question II – equality of rights to settlement for Jews and naturalised people

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For170,03253.211312.5
Against149,40146.8839.5
Invalid/blank votes
Total319,43310019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question III – local suffrage for settled people

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For137,32143.1728
Against181,44156.912414
Invalid/blank votes
Total318,76210019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question IV – taxation and civil rights of settled people

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For125,92439.9829
Against189,83060.111413
Invalid/blank votes
Total315,75410019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question V – cantonal suffrage for settled people

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For153,46948.19210
Against165,67951.910412
Invalid/blank votes
Total319,14810019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question VI – religious and cultural freedom

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For157,62949.210211
Against162,99250.89411
Invalid/blank votes
Total320,62110019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question VII – criminal law

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For108,36434.2616.5
Against208,61965.813515.5
Invalid/blank votes
Total316,98310019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For137,47643.7839.5
Against177,38656.311312.5
Invalid/blank votes
Total314,86210019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question IX – prohibition of gambling and lotteries

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For139,06244.0839.5
Against176,78856.011312.5
Invalid/blank votes
Total315,85010019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

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References

  1. 1 2 Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1901-1902 ISBN   978-3-8329-5609-7
  2. 1 2 3 Nohlen & Stöver, p1891