Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1908.[1] The first two were held on 5 July on amending the federal trade law and on banning absinthe.[1] Both were approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The third was held on 25 October on adding article 24bis to the constitution, concerning hydroelectricity and electricity.[1] It was also approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]
Background
editThe referendum on banning Absinthe was a popular initiative, whilst the referendums on the trade law and amending the constitution were 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
editTrade law amendment
edit| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 232,457 | 71.5 | 19 | 5 | 21.5 |
| Against | 92,561 | 28.5 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 |
| Blank votes | 67,405 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 1,849 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 394,272 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 809,545 | 48.7 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
Absinthe ban
edit| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 241,078 | 63.5 | 17 | 6 | 20 |
| Against | 138,669 | 36.5 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Blank votes | 15,451 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 4,019 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 399,217 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 809,545 | 49.3 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
Adding article 24bis to the constitution
edit| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 304,923 | 84.4 | 19 | 5 | 21.5 |
| Against | 56,237 | 15.6 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 |
| Blank votes | 14,360 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 15,314 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 390,834 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 809,406 | 48.3 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
