1896 Swiss referendum

A three-part referendum was held in Switzerland on 4 October 1896. Voters were asked whether they approved of a federal law on guarantees in the cattle trade, a federal law on the accounting system for the railways and a federal law on the disciplinary penal code for the federal army. Whilst the law on the railways was approved, the other two were rejected by voters.

Background

The referendums were optional referendums, which required only a majority of the public vote, rather than a majority of votes and cantons.

Results

Cattle trade guarantees law

Choice	Votes	%
For	174,880	45.5
Against	209,118	54.5
Blank votes	20,483	–
Invalid votes	6,827	–
Total	411,308	100
Registered voters/turnout	714,033	57.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Railways accounting law

Choice	Votes	%
For	223,228	55.8
Against	176,577	44.2
Blank votes	10,095	–
Invalid votes	3,089	–
Total	412,989	100
Registered voters/turnout	714,033	57.8
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Military penal code law

Choice	Votes	%
For	77,169	19.9
Against	310,992	80.1
Blank votes	15,717	–
Invalid votes	7,295	–
Total	411,173	100
Registered voters/turnout	714,033	57.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver