Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1900.[1] The first was held on 20 May on a federal law on health, accident and military insurance, and was rejected by 69.8% of voters.[1] The second and third were held on 4 November on introducing proportional representation for National Council elections and the direct election and increase in members of the Federal Council.[1] Both were rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]
The referendums on the changes to the National and Federal Councils were popular initiatives,[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 insurance referendum was an optional referendum,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2]