Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1939.[1] The first two were held on 22 January on a popular initiative on civil rights (which was rejected) and a federal resolution on the restricted use of the urgency clause in the constitution (which was approved).[1] The third was held on 4 June on a constitutional amendment regarding the funding for government policies on defence and unemployment, and was approved by voters.[1] The fourth was held on 3 December on a federal law on the employment status and insurance for federal civil servants, and was rejected by voters.[1]
The referendums on the urgency clause and the funding of defence and unemployment policies both involved amending the constitution, and so were "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 initiative on civil rights also required a double majority, whilst the referendum on civil servants was an optional referendum,[1] requiring only a majority of voters in favour to pass.[2]
Results[]
January: popular initiative on civil rights[]
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
141,323
28.9
0
0
0
Against
347,340
71.1
19
6
22
Blank votes
77,687
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
3,211
–
–
–
–
Total
569,561
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,223,536
46.6
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
January: Use of the urgency clause[]
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
346,024
69.1
18
6
21
Against
155,032
30.9
1
0
1
Blank votes
65,459
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
3,046
–
–
–
–
Total
569,561
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,223,536
46.6
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
June: Funding for defence and unemployment policy[]
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
445,622
69.1
16
6
19
Against
199,540
30.9
3
0
3
Blank votes
24,871
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
1,420
–
–
–
–
Total
671,453
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,226,873
54.7
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
December: Civil servants[]
Choice
Votes
%
For
290,238
37.6
Against
481,035
62.4
Blank votes
19,524
–
Invalid votes
2,102
–
Total
792,899
100
Registered voters/turnout
1,241,404
63.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References[]
^ abcdefNohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1912 ISBN9783832956097