1848 Swiss constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum was held in Switzerland in July and August 1848,[1] the first referendum on record in the Swiss Confederation.[2] The new constitution was approved by 72.8% of voters and a majority of cantons.[2][3]

1848 Swiss constitutional referendum
July and August 1848
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 145,584 72.83%
No 54,320 27.17%

Background

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In order to pass, any amendments to the constitution needed a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.[4] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[4] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[4]

Results

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Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 145,584 72.8 14 3 15.5
Against 54,320 27.2 5 3 6.5
Invalid/blank votes
Total 199,904 100 19 6 22
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

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  1. ^ "Bundesverfassung (BV)". Historical Lexicon of Switzerland (in German). Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  2. ^ a b Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1901 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  3. ^ "Bundesverfassung der schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft". Swiss Votes. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  4. ^ a b c Nohlen & Stöver, p1891