1897 Swiss referendums
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Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1897.[1] The first was held on 28 February on a federal law establishing a Central Bank, and was rejected by a majority of voters.[1] The second and third were held on 11 July concerning an amendment to article 24 of the constitution and on legislation on potentially harmful foodstuffs and stimulants.[1] Both were approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]
Background
The referendums on the constitutional amendment and the foodstuffs legislation were mandatory referendums,[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 Central Bank referendum was an optional referendum,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2]
Results
Central Bank
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 195,764 | 43.3 |
| Against | 255,984 | 56.7 |
| Blank votes | 8,198 | â |
| Invalid votes | 2,197 | â |
| Total | 462,143 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 715,342 | 64.6 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
Amendment to article 24 of the constitution
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 156,102 | 63.5 | 14 | 4 | 16 |
| Against | 89,561 | 36.5 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
| Blank votes | 25,444 | â | â | â | â |
| Invalid votes | 6,077 | â | â | â | â |
| Total | 277,184 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 716,883 | 38.7 | â | â | â |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
Legislation on foodstuffs and stimulants
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 162,250 | 65.1 | 16 | 5 | 18.5 |
| Against | 86,955 | 34.9 | 3 | 1 | 3.5 |
| Blank votes | 24,023 | â | â | â | â |
| Invalid votes | 4,624 | â | â | â | â |
| Total | 277,852 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 716,883 | 38.8 | â | â | â |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
