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1938 Swiss referendums

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Six referendums were held in Switzerland during 1938.[1] The first four were held on 20 February; the first on amending articles 107 and 116 of the constitution to make Romansch an official language, which was approved by over 90% of voters and all cantons.[1] The second was on a popular initiative "on urgent federal resolutions and the protection of people's rights" and was rejected by 85% of voters.[1] The third was on a popular initiative on the private arms industry, and was also rejected by a wide margin, whilst the fourth was on a counter-proposal to the arms industry question, and was approved by voters.[1] The fifth referendum was held on 3 July on the penal code, and was approved.[1] The sixth and final referendum of the year was held on 27 November on a federal resolution on the transient order of the federal budget, and was approved by 72% of voters.[1]

Background

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The referendums on making Romansch an official language and the federal budget were both "obligatory" referendums,[1] requiring 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 popular initiatives on federal resolutions and the arms industry also required a double majority, as did the counter proposal to the arms industry question.[1][2] The referendum on the penal code was an "optional referendum",[1] which required only a majority of voters in favour.

Results

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February: Romansch as an official language

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 574,991 91.6 19 6 22
Against 52,827 8.4 0 0 0
Blank votes 24,692
Invalid votes 8,512
Total 661,022 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,216,756 54.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 87,638 15.2 0 0 0
Against 488,195 84.8 19 6 22
Blank votes 63,433
Invalid votes 21,756
Total 661,022 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,216,756 54.3
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 65,938 11.5 0 0 0
Against 419,013 73.2 19 6 22
No answer 87,630 15.3
Blank votes 52,896
Invalid votes 35,542
Total 661,022 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,216,756 54.3
Source: Direct Democracy

February: Counter-proposal on the private arms industry

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 394,052 68.8 19 6 22
Against 149,025 26.0 0 0 0
No answer 29,504 15.3
Blank votes 52,896
Invalid votes 35,542
Total 661,022 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,216,756 54.3
Source: Direct Democracy

July: Penal code

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Choice Votes %
For 358,438 53.5
Against 312,030 46.5
Blank votes 23,455
Invalid votes 2,016
Total 695,939 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,219,755 57.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

November: Federal budget

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 509,387 72.3 18 6 21
Against 195,538 27.7 1 0 1
Blank votes 30,951
Invalid votes 2,431
Total 738,307 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,223,336 60.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1911–1912 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c d Nohlen & Stöver, p1891