1908 Swiss referendums

Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1908.[1] The first two were held on 5 July on amending the federal trade law and on banning absinthe.[1] Both were approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The third was held on 25 October on adding article 24bis to the constitution, concerning hydroelectricity and electricity.[1] It was also approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]

Background

The referendum on banning Absinthe was a popular initiative, whilst the referendums on the trade law and amending the constitution were mandatory referendums.[1] Both types 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]

Results

Trade law amendment

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	232,457	71.5	19	5	21.5
Against	92,561	28.5	0	1	0.5
Blank votes	67,405	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	1,849	–	–	–	–
Total	394,272	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	809,545	48.7	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Absinthe ban

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	241,078	63.5	17	6	20
Against	138,669	36.5	2	0	2
Blank votes	15,451	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	4,019	–	–	–	–
Total	399,217	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	809,545	49.3	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Adding article 24bis to the constitution

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	304,923	84.4	19	5	21.5
Against	56,237	15.6	0	1	0.5
Blank votes	14,360	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	15,314	–	–	–	–
Total	390,834	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	809,406	48.3	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1906–1907 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891