1942 Swiss referendums

Two referendums were held in Switzerland during 1942.^[1] The first was held on 25 January on a popular initiative that would provide for the direct election of the Federal Council, as well as increasing the number of members.^[2] It was rejected by voters.^[1] The second was held on 3 May on a popular initiative "for the reorganisation of the National Council", and was also rejected.^[1]

Background

The referendums were both 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

January referendum

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	251,605	32.4	0	0	0
Against	524,127	67.6	19	6	22
Blank votes	13,381	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	3,311	–	–	–	–
Total	792,424	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	1,278,688	62.0	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

May referendum

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	219,629	34.9	0	1	0.5
Against	408,821	65.1	19	5	21.5
Blank votes	30,543	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	1,825	–	–	–	–
Total	660,818	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	1,283,487	51.5	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1912 ISBN 9783832956097
2. "Votation populaire du 25.01.1942". www.admin.ch. Archived from the original on 2015-04-05. Retrieved 2015-10-17.
3. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891