| Date: | July and August 1848 |
| Country: | Switzerland |
| Yes: | 145,584 |
| No: | 54,320 |
A constitutional referendum was held in Switzerland in July and August 1848,[1] the first referendum on record in the Swiss Confederation.[2] The new constitution was approved by 72.8% of voters and a majority of cantons.[2] [3]
In order to pass, any amendments to the constitution needed a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.[4] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[4] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[4]
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 145,584 | 72.8 | 14 | 3 | 15.5 |
| Against | 54,320 | 27.2 | 5 | 3 | 6.5 |
| Invalid/blank votes | – | – | – | – | |
| Total | 199,904 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| align=left colspan=6 | Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||||