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
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