Swiss referendums, 1938

This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Switzerland

Six referendums were held in Switzerland during 1938.[1] The first four were held on 20 February; the first on amending articles 107 and 116 of the constitution to make Romansch an official language, which was approved by over 90% of voters and all cantons.[1] The second was on a popular initiative "on urgent federal resolutions and the protection of people's rights" and was rejected by 85% of voters.[1] The third was on a popular initiative on the private arms industry, and was also rejected by a wide margin, whilst the fourth was on a counter-proposal to the arms industry question, and was approved by voters.[1] The fifth referendum was held on 3 July on the penal code, and was approved.[1] The sixth and final referendum of the year was held on 27 November on a federal resolution on the transient order of the federal budget, and was approved by 72% of voters.[1]

Background

The referendums on making Romansch an official language and the federal budget were both "obligatory" referendums,[1] requiring 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 popular initiatives on federal resolutions and the arms industry also required a double majority, as did the counter proposal to the arms industry question.[1][2] The referendum on the penal code was an "optional referendum",[1] which required only a majority of voters in favour.

Results

February: Romansch as an official language

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For574,99191.619622
Against52,8278.4000
Blank votes24,692
Invalid votes8,512
Total661,02210019622
Registered voters/turnout1,216,75654.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For87,63815.2000
Against488,19584.819622
Blank votes63,433
Invalid votes21,756
Total661,02210019622
Registered voters/turnout1,216,75654.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For65,93811.5000
Against419,01373.219622
No answer87,63015.3
Blank votes52,896
Invalid votes35,542
Total661,02210019622
Registered voters/turnout1,216,75654.3
Source: Direct Democracy

February: Counter-proposal on the private arms industry

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For394,05268.819622
Against149,02526.0000
No answer29,50415.3
Blank votes52,896
Invalid votes35,542
Total661,02210019622
Registered voters/turnout1,216,75654.3
Source: Direct Democracy

July: Penal code

Choice Votes %
For358,43853.5
Against312,03046.5
Blank votes23,455
Invalid votes2,016
Total695,939100
Registered voters/turnout1,219,75557.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

November: Federal budget

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For509,38772.318621
Against195,53827.7101
Blank votes30,951
Invalid votes2,431
Total738,30710019622
Registered voters/turnout1,223,33660.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1911–1912 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. 1 2 3 4 Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
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