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1939 Swiss referendums

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Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1939. The first two were held on 22 January on a popular initiative on civil rights (which was rejected) and a federal resolution on the restricted use of the urgency clause in the constitution (which was approved). The third was held on 4 June on a constitutional amendment regarding the funding for government policies on defence and unemployment, and was approved by voters. The fourth was held on 3 December on a federal law on the employment status and insurance for federal civil servants, and was rejected by voters.

Background

The referendums on the urgency clause and the funding of defence and unemployment policies both involved amending the constitution, and so were "obligatory" referendums, requiring a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons. The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton. Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half. The popular initiative on civil rights also required a double majority, whilst the referendum on civil servants was an optional referendum, requiring only a majority of voters in favour to pass.

Results

January: popular initiative on civil rights

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 141,323 28.9 0 0 0
Against 347,340 71.1 19 6 22
Blank votes 77,687
Invalid votes 3,211
Total 569,561 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,223,536 46.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

January: Use of the urgency clause

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 346,024 69.1 18 6 21
Against 155,032 30.9 1 0 1
Blank votes 65,459
Invalid votes 3,046
Total 569,561 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,223,536 46.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

June: Funding for defence and unemployment policy

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 445,622 69.1 16 6 19
Against 199,540 30.9 3 0 3
Blank votes 24,871
Invalid votes 1,420
Total 671,453 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,226,873 54.7
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

December: Civil servants

Choice Votes %
For 290,238 37.6
Against 481,035 62.4
Blank votes 19,524
Invalid votes 2,102
Total 792,899 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,241,404 63.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. ^ Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1912 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
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