Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1898.[1] The first was held on 20 February on a federal law that would nationalise the railways, and was approved by a majority of voters,[1] leading to the establishment of Swiss Federal Railways in 1902. The second and third referendums were held on 13 November on revising article 64 and adding article 64bis to the constitution, both of which were approved by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]
Background
The referendums on the constitutional amendments were mandatory referendums,[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] The railways referendum was an optional referendum,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2]
Results
Railway nationalisation
Choice
Votes
%
For
386,634
67.9
Against
182,718
32.1
Blank votes
2,754
–
Invalid votes
1,459
–
Total
573,565
100
Registered voters/turnout
734,644
78.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Amendment to article 64 of the constitution
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
264,914
72.2
15
3
16.5
Against
101,762
27.8
4
3
5.5
Blank votes
15,922
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
4,628
–
–
–
–
Total
387,226
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
734,075
52.8
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Addition of article 64bis to the constitution
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
266,610
72.4
15
3
16.5
Against
101,780
27.6
4
3
5.5
Blank votes
15,300
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
3,903
–
–
–
–
Total
387,593
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
734,075
52.8
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References
^ abcdeNohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1905 ISBN 9783832956097
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