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1910 Swiss electoral system referendum

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1910 Swiss electoral system referendum

23 October 1910

Federal popular initiative "for the proportional representation of the National Council"
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 240,305 47.54%
No 265,194 52.46%
Valid votes 505,499 98.44%
Invalid or blank votes 8,035 1.56%
Total votes 513,534 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 823,679 62.35%

A referendum on the electoral system was held in Switzerland on 23 October 1910.[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of introducing proportional representation for National Council elections.[1] Although the proposal was approved by a majority of cantons, it was rejected by 52.5% of voters.[1] This was the second such referendum, after the one in 1900 also failed. However, a third referendum on the same issue was held in 1918, and passed with 66.8% in favour.[1]

Background

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The referendum was a public initiative,[1] 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

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 240,305 47.5 10 4 12
Against 265,194 52.5 9 2 10
Blank votes 6,064
Invalid votes 1,971
Total 513,534 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 823,679 62.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1907 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c Nohlen & Stöver, p1891