1937 Swiss freemasonry referendum explained

Country:Switzerland
Date:28 November 1937
Prohibition of Freemasonry
Yes:234,980
No:515,327
Invalid:32,809
Electorate:1,187,637

A referendum on freemasonry was held in Switzerland on 28 November 1937.[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of a popular initiative that would ban the practice.[1] The proposal was rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]

Background

The referendum was a popular 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

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For234,98031.3101
Against515,32768.718621
Blank votes30,578
Invalid votes2,231
Total783,11610019622
Registered voters/turnout1,187,63765.9
align=left colspan=6Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Notes and References

  1. [Dieter Nohlen|Nohlen, D]
  2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891