1945 Swiss referendums

Two referendums were held in Switzerland during 1945.^[1] The first was held on 21 January on a federal law on the Swiss Federal Railways, and was approved by voters.^[1] The second was held on 25 November on a federal resolution on the "for the family" petition, and was also approved.^[1]

Background

The January referendum on the Swiss Federal Railways was an optional referendum,^[1] which required only a simple majority to pass.^[2] The November referendum was a mandatory referendum,^[1] which 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

January referendum

Choice	Votes	%
For	388,831	56.7
Against	296,809	43.3
Blank votes	15,300	–
Invalid votes	1,461	–
Total	702,401	100
Registered voters/turnout	1,327,961	52.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

November referendum

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	548,601	76.3	19	5	21.5
Against	170,278	23.7	0	1	0.5
Blank votes	24,738	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	1,610	–	–	–	–
Total	745,227	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	1,341,980	55.5	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1913 ISBN 9783832956097
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1891