1910 Swiss electoral system referendum

1910 Swiss electoral system referendum

23 October 1910
Federal popular initiative "for the proportional representation of the National Council"
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 240,305 47.54% No 265,194 52.46% Valid votes 505,499 98.44% Invalid or blank votes 8,035 1.56% Total votes 513,534 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 823,679 62.35%

A referendum on the electoral system was held in Switzerland on 23 October 1910.[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of introducing proportional representation for National Council elections.[1] Although the proposal was approved by a majority of cantons, it was rejected by 52.5% of voters.[1] This was the second such referendum, after the one in 1900 also failed. However, a third referendum on the same issue was held in 1918, and passed with 66.8% in favour.[1]

Background

The referendum was a public initiative,[1] which 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

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	240,305	47.5	10	4	12
Against	265,194	52.5	9	2	10
Blank votes	6,064	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	1,971	–	–	–	–
Total	513,534	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	823,679	62.3	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1907 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891