Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1903.[1] The first was held on 15 March on a federal law on tariffs, and was approved by 59.6% of voters.[1] The second, third and fourth were all held on 25 October concerning an amendment to the federal criminal law, a popular initiative on Swiss residents electing the National Council and an amendment to article 32bis of the constitution.[1] All three were rejected by voters.[1]
Background
The referendums on tariffs and the federal criminal law were optional referendums,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2] The referendum on the changes to National Council elections was popular initiative and the referendum on the constitutional amendment was a mandatory referendum,[1] both of 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
Tariffs
Choice
Votes
%
For
332,001
59.6
Against
225,123
40.4
Blank votes
3,529
–
Invalid votes
2,216
–
Total
562,869
100
Registered voters/turnout
768,125
73.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Criminal law
Choice
Votes
%
For
117,694
30.8
Against
264,085
69.2
Blank votes
15,099
–
Invalid votes
12,007
–
Total
408,885
100
Registered voters/turnout
768,105
53.2
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
National Council elections
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
95,131
24.4
3
2
4
Against
295,085
75.6
16
4
18
Blank votes
13,460
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
5,363
–
–
–
–
Total
409,039
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
768,105
53.3
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Amendment of article 32bis of the constitution
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
156,777
40.7
4
0
4
Against
228,094
59.3
15
6
18
Blank votes
14,674
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
8,307
–
–
–
–
Total
407,852
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
768,105
53.1
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References
^ abcdefNohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1906 ISBN 9783832956097