A nine-part referendum was held in Switzerland on 14 January 1866.[1] Only two proposals received a majority of votes in favour, and only one had both a majority of votes and majority of cantons.[1]
Background
In order to pass, the referendums needed 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
Question I – weights and measures
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 159,182 | 50.4 | 8 | 3 | 9.5 |
Against | 156,396 | 49.6 | 11 | 3 | 12.5 |
Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
Total | 315,578 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Question II – equality of rights to settlement for Jews and naturalised people
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 170,032 | 53.2 | 11 | 3 | 12.5 |
Against | 149,401 | 46.8 | 8 | 3 | 9.5 |
Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
Total | 319,433 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Question III – local suffrage for settled people
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 137,321 | 43.1 | 7 | 2 | 8 |
Against | 181,441 | 56.9 | 12 | 4 | 14 |
Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
Total | 318,762 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Question IV – taxation and civil rights of settled people
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 125,924 | 39.9 | 8 | 2 | 9 |
Against | 189,830 | 60.1 | 11 | 4 | 13 |
Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
Total | 315,754 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Question V – cantonal suffrage for settled people
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 153,469 | 48.1 | 9 | 2 | 10 |
Against | 165,679 | 51.9 | 10 | 4 | 12 |
Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
Total | 319,148 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Question VI – religious and cultural freedom
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 157,629 | 49.2 | 10 | 2 | 11 |
Against | 162,992 | 50.8 | 9 | 4 | 11 |
Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
Total | 320,621 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Question VII – criminal law
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 108,364 | 34.2 | 6 | 1 | 6.5 |
Against | 208,619 | 65.8 | 13 | 5 | 15.5 |
Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
Total | 316,983 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Question VIII – copyright law
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 137,476 | 43.7 | 8 | 3 | 9.5 |
Against | 177,386 | 56.3 | 11 | 3 | 12.5 |
Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
Total | 314,862 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Question IX – prohibition of gambling and lotteries
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 139,062 | 44.0 | 8 | 3 | 9.5 |
Against | 176,788 | 56.0 | 11 | 3 | 12.5 |
Invalid/blank votes | | – | – | – | – |
Total | 315,850 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
References