Six referendums were held in Switzerland during 1938.[1] The first four were held on 20 February; the first on amending articles 107 and 116 of the constitution to make Romansch an official language, which was approved by over 90% of voters and all cantons.[1] The second was on a popular initiative "on urgent federal resolutions and the protection of people's rights" and was rejected by 85% of voters.[1] The third was on a popular initiative on the private arms industry, and was also rejected by a wide margin, whilst the fourth was on a counter-proposal to the arms industry question, and was approved by voters.[1] The fifth referendum was held on 3 July on the penal code, and was approved.[1] The sixth and final referendum of the year was held on 27 November on a federal resolution on the transient order of the federal budget, and was approved by 72% of voters.[1]
The referendums on making Romansch an official language and the federal budget were both "obligatory" referendums,[1] requiring 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 popular initiatives on federal resolutions and the arms industry also required a double majority, as did the counter proposal to the arms industry question.[1][2] The referendum on the penal code was an "optional referendum",[1] which required only a majority of voters in favour.
Results[]
February: Romansch as an official language[]
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
574,991
91.6
19
6
22
Against
52,827
8.4
0
0
0
Blank votes
24,692
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
8,512
–
–
–
–
Total
661,022
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,216,756
54.3
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
February: popular initiative on federal resolutions[]
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
87,638
15.2
0
0
0
Against
488,195
84.8
19
6
22
Blank votes
63,433
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
21,756
–
–
–
–
Total
661,022
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,216,756
54.3
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
February: popular initiative on the private arms industry[]