1925 Swiss referendums

Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1925.[1] The first was held on 24 May on a popular initiative calling for insurance for invalidity, old age and bereavement, and was rejected by voters.[1] The second was held on 25 October on a federal resolution on the settlement and residence of foreigners, and was approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The third was held on 6 December on a federal resolution on insurance for invalidity, old age and bereavement, and was also approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]

Background

The May referendum was a popular 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] The October and December referendums were both "obligatory" referendums, which also required a double majority.[2]

Results

May referendum

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	282,527	42.0	5	2	6
Against	390,129	58.0	14	4	16
Blank votes	13,577	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	2,169	–	–	–	–
Total	688,402	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	1,008,865	68.2	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

October referendum

This was the 100th national referendum in the Swiss Confederation since 1848.

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	382,381	62.2	16	5	18.5
Against	232,272	37.8	3	1	3.5
Blank votes	71,838	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	5,053	–	–	–	–
Total	691,544	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	1,017,692	68.0	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

December referendum

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	410,988	65.4	15	3	16.5
Against	217,483	34.6	4	3	5.5
Blank votes	12,809	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	1,786	–	–	–	–
Total	643,066	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	1,019,522	63.1	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1909 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891