Five referendums were held in Switzerland during 1950.[1] The first was held on 29 January on extending a federal resolution on promoting housebuilding, and was rejected by voters.[1] The second was held on 4 June on the federal budget, and was also rejected by voters.[1] The third was held on 1 October on a popular initiative "for the protection of ground and labour by prohibiting speculation", and was rejected by voters.[1] The final two were held on 3 December on revising article 72 of the constitution regarding the election of the National Council and a federal resolution on financial order between 1951 and 1954.[1] Both were approved by voters.[1]
Background
The January referendum was an optional referendum, and required only a majority of votes in favour. The other four referendums all required double majorities; 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
January: Extending the federal resolution on housebuilding
Choice |
Votes |
% |
For | 333,878 | 46.3 |
Against | 387,456 | 53.7 |
Blank votes | 14,015 | – |
Invalid votes | 1,418 | – |
Total | 736,767 | 100 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,394,970 | 52.8 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
June: Federal budget
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 267,770 | 35.5 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
Against | 486,381 | 64.5 | 14 | 4 | 16 |
Blank votes | 15,769 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 1,202 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 771,122 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,393,317 | 55.3 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 158,794 | 27.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Against | 429,091 | 73.0 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Blank votes | 22,607 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 1,311 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 611,803 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,400,891 | 43.7 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
December: Constitutional amendment
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 450,395 | 67.3 | 17 | 6 | 20 |
Against | 218,541 | 32.7 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Blank votes | 110,615 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 2,140 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 781,691 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,403,731 | 55.7 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
December: Financial order
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 516,704 | 69.5 | 17 | 6 | 20 |
Against | 227,131 | 30.5 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Blank votes | 35,884 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 1,989 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 781,708 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,403,731 | 55.7 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
References