1905 Swiss copyright referendum

A referendum on copyright was held in Switzerland on 19 March 1905. Voters were asked whether they approved of a federal resolution on revising article 64 of the constitution, defining the protection rights of inventors. It was approved by 70.4% of voters and a majority of cantons.[1]

1905 Swiss copyright referendum
19 March 1905
Federal decree regarding the revision of Art. 64 of the Federal Constitution (extension of inventor protection)
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 199,187 70.35%
No 83,935 29.65%
Valid votes 283,122 91.06%
Invalid or blank votes 27,783 8.94%
Total votes 310,905 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 776,394 40.04%

Background

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The referendum was a mandatory referendum,[1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons. The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton. Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[2]

Results

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 199,187 70.4 19 5 21.5
Against 83,935 29.6 0 1 0.5
Blank votes 23,452
Invalid votes 4,331
Total 310,905 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 776,394 40.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

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  1. ^ a b Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1906 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ Nohlen & Stöver, p1891