Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1900.[1] The first was held on 20 May on a federal law on health, accident and military insurance, and was rejected by 69.8% of voters.[1] The second and third were held on 4 November on introducing proportional representation for National Council elections and the direct election and increase in members of the Federal Council.[1] Both were rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]
Background
The referendums on the changes to the National and Federal Councils were popular initiatives,[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] The insurance referendum was an optional referendum,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2]
Results
Accident, health and military insurance
Choice
Votes
%
For
148,035
30.2
Against
341,914
69.8
Blank votes
5,636
–
Invalid votes
1,765
–
Total
497,350
100
Registered voters/turnout
745,228
66.7
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Introducing proportional representation for National Council elections
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
169,008
40.9
9
3
10.5
Against
244,666
59.1
10
3
11.5
Blank votes
17,539
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
7,898
–
–
–
–
Total
439,111
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
747,262
58.8
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Introducing direct elections for an enlarged Federal Council
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
145,926
35.0
7
2
8
Against
270,522
65.0
12
4
14
Blank votes
15,734
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
7,316
–
–
–
–
Total
439,498
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
747,262
58.8
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References
^ abcdefNohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1905–1906 ISBN 9783832956097
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