Five referendums were held in Switzerland in 1891.[1] The first was held on 15 March on a federal law on federal officials who had become unemployable due to disability, and was rejected by 79.4% of voters.[1] The second was held on 5 July on a constitutional amendment, and was approved by 60.3% of voters.[1] Two referendums were held on 18 October, one on revising article 39 of the federal constitution and one on a federal law on Swiss tariffs; both were approved.[1] The last was held on 6 December on the question of whether the federal government should purchase the Swiss central railway, but was rejected by 31.1% of voters.[1]
Background
The two constitutional referendums were mandatory referendums,[1] which required both a majority of voters and cantons.[2] The other three were optional referendums,[1] which meant that only a majority of the public vote was required for the proposals to be approved.[2]
Results
Federal officials law
Choice
Votes
%
For
91,851
20.6
Against
353,977
79.4
Blank votes
2,984
–
Invalid votes
2,516
–
Total
451,328
100
Registered voters/turnout
657,779
68.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Constitutional amendment (July)
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
183,029
60.3
16
4
18
Against
120,599
39.7
3
2
4
Blank votes
15,398
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
1,330
–
–
–
–
Total
320,356
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
641,692
49.9
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Constitutional amendment (October)
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
231,578
59.3
12
4
14
Against
158,615
40.7
7
2
8
Blank votes
13,400
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
1,890
–
–
–
–
Total
405,483
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
654,372
62.0
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Tariffs
Choice
Votes
%
For
220,004
58.1
Against
158,934
41.9
Blank votes
22,034
–
Invalid votes
1,840
–
Total
402,812
100
Registered voters/turnout
654,372
61.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Central railway purchase
Choice
Votes
%
For
130,729
31.3
Against
289,406
68.9
Blank votes
–
Invalid votes
–
Total
420,135
100
Registered voters/turnout
653,792
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References
^ abcdefgNohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1904 ISBN 9783832956097
.svg)
Switzerland portal 
