Two referendums were held in Switzerland during 1942.[1] The first was held on 25 January on a popular initiative that would provide for the direct election of the Federal Council, as well as increasing the number of members.[2] It was rejected by voters.[1] The second was held on 3 May on a popular initiative "for the reorganisation of the National Council", and was also rejected.[1]

Background

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The referendums were both popular initiatives,[1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.[3] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[3] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[3]

Results

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January referendum

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 251,605 32.4 0 0 0
Against 524,127 67.6 19 6 22
Blank votes 13,381
Invalid votes 3,311
Total 792,424 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,278,688 62.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

May referendum

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 219,629 34.9 0 1 0.5
Against 408,821 65.1 19 5 21.5
Blank votes 30,543
Invalid votes 1,825
Total 660,818 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,283,487 51.5
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1912 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ "Votation populaire du 25.01.1942". www.admin.ch. Archived from the original on 2015-04-05. Retrieved 2015-10-17.
  3. ^ a b c Nohlen & Stöver, p1891