1866 Swiss referendum explained
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]
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
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
|---|
| For | 159,182 | 50.4 | 8 | 3 | 9.5 |
| Against | 156,396 | 49.6 | 11 | 3 | 12.5 |
| Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 315,578 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |
Question II – equality of rights to settlement for Jews and naturalised people
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
|---|
| For | 170,032 | 53.2 | 11 | 3 | 12.5 |
| Against | 149,401 | 46.8 | 8 | 3 | 9.5 |
| Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 319,433 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |
Question III – local suffrage for settled people
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
|---|
| For | 137,321 | 43.1 | 7 | 2 | 8 |
| Against | 181,441 | 56.9 | 12 | 4 | 14 |
| Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 318,762 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |
Question IV – taxation and civil rights of settled people
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
|---|
| For | 125,924 | 39.9 | 8 | 2 | 9 |
| Against | 189,830 | 60.1 | 11 | 4 | 13 |
| Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 315,754 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |
Question V – cantonal suffrage for settled people
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
|---|
| For | 153,469 | 48.1 | 9 | 2 | 10 |
| Against | 165,679 | 51.9 | 10 | 4 | 12 |
| Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 319,148 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |
Question VI – religious and cultural freedom
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
|---|
| For | 157,629 | 49.2 | 10 | 2 | 11 |
| Against | 162,992 | 50.8 | 9 | 4 | 11 |
| Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 320,621 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |
Question VII – criminal law
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
|---|
| For | 108,364 | 34.2 | 6 | 1 | 6.5 |
| Against | 208,619 | 65.8 | 13 | 5 | 15.5 |
| Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 316,983 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |
Question VIII – copyright law
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
|---|
| For | 137,476 | 43.7 | 8 | 3 | 9.5 |
| Against | 177,386 | 56.3 | 11 | 3 | 12.5 |
| Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 314,862 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |
Question IX – prohibition of gambling and lotteries
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
|---|
| For | 139,062 | 44.0 | 8 | 3 | 9.5 |
| Against | 176,788 | 56.0 | 11 | 3 | 12.5 |
| Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 315,850 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |
Notes and References
- [Dieter Nohlen|Nohlen, D]
- Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
