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Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1939.[1] The first two were held on 22 January on a popular initiative on civil rights (which was rejected) and a federal resolution on the restricted use of the urgency clause in the constitution (which was approved).[1] The third was held on 4 June on a constitutional amendment regarding the funding for government policies on defence and unemployment, and was approved by voters.[1] The fourth was held on 3 December on a federal law on the employment status and insurance for federal civil servants, and was rejected by voters.[1]

Background

The referendums on the urgency clause and the funding of defence and unemployment policies both involved amending the constitution, and so were "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 initiative on civil rights also required a double majority, whilst the referendum on civil servants was an optional referendum,[1] requiring only a majority of voters in favour to pass.[2]

Results

January: popular initiative on civil rights

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 141,323 28.9 0 0 0
Against 347,340 71.1 19 6 22
Blank votes 77,687 – – – –
Invalid votes 3,211 – – – –
Total 569,561 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,223,536 46.6 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

January: Use of the urgency clause

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 346,024 69.1 18 6 21
Against 155,032 30.9 1 0 1
Blank votes 65,459 – – – –
Invalid votes 3,046 – – – –
Total 569,561 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,223,536 46.6 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

June: Funding for defence and unemployment policy

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 445,622 69.1 16 6 19
Against 199,540 30.9 3 0 3
Blank votes 24,871 – – – –
Invalid votes 1,420 – – – –
Total 671,453 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,226,873 54.7 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

December: Civil servants

Choice Votes %
For 290,238 37.6
Against 481,035 62.4
Blank votes 19,524 –
Invalid votes 2,102 –
Total 792,899 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,241,404 63.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1912 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c d Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
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