1848 Swiss constitutional referendum

July and August 1848

Results
Choice
Votes  %
Yes 145,584 72.83%
No 54,320 27.17%

A constitutional referendum was held in Switzerland in July and August 1848,[1] the first referendum on record in the Swiss Confederation.[2] The new constitution was approved by 72.8% of voters and a majority of cantons.[2][3]

Background

In order to pass, any amendments to the constitution needed a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.[4] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[4] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[4]

Results

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For145,58472.814315.5
Against54,32027.2536.5
Invalid/blank votes
Total199,90410019622
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. "Bundesverfassung (BV)". Historical Lexicon of Switzerland (in German). Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  2. 1 2 Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1901 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  3. "Bundesverfassung der schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft". Swiss Votes. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  4. 1 2 3 Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
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