Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1923.[1] The first two were held on 18 February on protective custody and a federal resolution on relations with France over the former free trade area of Haute-Savoie.[1] The third was held on 15 April on a popular initiative "for the ensuring of people's rights in questions regarding tariffs", whilst the fourth was held on 3 June on amending articles 31 and 32bis of the constitution regarding alcohol.[1] All four were rejected by voters.[1]
Background
The referendums on protective custody and tariffs were both popular initiatives,[1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and a 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] The referendum on relations with France was a "facultative referendum", which required only a simple majority of voters in favour,[2] whilst the referendum on amending the constitution was a mandatory referendum,[1] which also required a double majority.[2]
Results
Protective custody
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
55,145
11.0
0
0
0
Against
445,606
89.0
19
6
22
Blank votes
25,109
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
1,016
–
–
–
–
Total
526,876
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
989,661
53.2
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Relations with France
Choice
Votes
%
For
93,982
18.5
Against
414,305
81.5
Blank votes
19,515
–
Invalid votes
1,024
–
Total
528,736
100
Registered voters/turnout
989,661
53.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Tariffs
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
171,020
26.8
0
1
0.5
Against
467,876
73.2
19
5
21.5
Blank votes
10,813
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
1,450
–
–
–
–
Total
651,159
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
990,202
65.8
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Constitutional amendments
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
262,688
42.2
9
2
10
Against
360,397
57.8
10
4
12
Blank votes
11,931
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
1,575
–
–
–
–
Total
636,591
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
985,774
64.6
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References
^ abcdefNohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1909 ISBN 9783832956097