Two referendums were held in Switzerland during 1918.[1] The first was held on 2 June on introducing a direct federal tax, and was rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] The second was held on 13 October 1918 on introducing proportional representation for National Council elections, and was approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1] As a result, proportional representation was introduced in the 1919 elections.[2]
Background
editBoth referendums were popular initiatives,[1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.[3] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[3] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[3]
Results
editFederal tax
edit| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 276,735 | 45.9 | 6 | 3 | 7.5 |
| Against | 325,814 | 54.1 | 13 | 3 | 14.5 |
| Blank votes | 4,332 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 5,290 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 612,171 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 936,096 | 65.4 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
Proportional representation
edit| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 299,550 | 66.8 | 17 | 5 | 19.5 |
| Against | 149,035 | 33.2 | 2 | 1 | 2.5 |
| Blank votes | 8,892 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 5,825 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 463,304 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 936,336 | 49.5 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
