This article is part of a series on the
Politics of Switzerland
Constitution
Federal Council
Federal Assembly
Elections
Elections
Referendums
Federal courts
Foreign relations
Cantons
Municipalities
(Full list of Municipalities)
flag Switzerland portal

Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1921.[1] The first two were held on 30 January on holding referendums on treaties that would be valid for at least 15 years and on abolishing the military judiciary.[1] The treaty proposal was approved, whilst the abolishment of the military judiciary was rejected.[1] The third and fourth were held on 22 May on add articles 37bis and 37ter on road traffic and aviation to the constitution, and on only adding article 37ter on aviation.[1] Both were approved.[1]

Background

The referendums on treaties and the military judiciary were both popular initiatives, whilst the two on amending the constitution were both mandatory referendums.[1] Both types 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]

Results

Referendums on treaties

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 398,548 71.4 17 6 20
Against 160,004 28.6 2 0 2
Blank votes 48,783 – – – –
Invalid votes 3,076 – – – –
Total 610,411 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 967,289 63.1 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Abolishment of the military judiciary

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 198,696 33.6 3 0 3
Against 393,151 66.4 16 6 19
Blank votes 15,837 – – – –
Invalid votes 2,727 – – – –
Total 610,411 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 967,289 63.1 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Addition of articles 37bis and 37ter to the constitution

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 206,297 59.8 14 3 15.5
Against 138,876 40.2 5 3 6.5
Blank votes 27,957 – – – –
Invalid votes 791 – – – –
Total 373,921 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 969,522 38.6 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Addition of article 37ter to the constitution

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 210,447 62.2 18 5 20.5
Against 127,943 37.8 1 1 1.5
Blank votes 32,859 – – – –
Invalid votes 8938 – – – –
Total 373,187 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 969,522 38.4 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1908 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
Categories