Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1949.[1] The first two were held on 22 May on revising article 39 of the federal constitution concerning the Swiss National Bank and a federal law amending a 1928 law on measures against tuberculosis, with both rejected by voters.[1] The third was held on 11 September on a popular initiative "for the recurrence to direct democracy" and was narrowly approved.[1] The final one was held on 11 December on a federal law to amend the employment status of federal civil servants, and was also approved.[1]
The referendum on revising the constitution was a mandatory referendum.[1] Together with the popular initiative, both 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 referendums on federal laws on tuberculosis and civil servants were both optional referendums,[1] which required only a simple majority of votes in favour.[1]
Results[]
May: Constitutional amendment on the Swiss National Bank[]
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
293,650
38.5
1
1
1.5
Against
468,823
61.5
18
5
20.5
Blank votes
81,909
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
1,485
–
–
–
–
Total
845,867
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,385,582
61.0
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
May: Federal law on tuberculosis[]
Choice
Votes
%
For
202,863
24.8
Against
613,552
75.2
Blank votes
28,241
–
Invalid votes
1,211
–
Total
845,867
100
Registered voters/turnout
1,385,582
61.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
September: popular initiative[]
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
280,755
50.7
11
3
12.5
Against
272,599
49.3
8
3
9.5
Blank votes
35,655
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
1,941
–
–
–
–
Total
590,950
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,389,856
42.5
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
December: Federal law on civil servants[]
Choice
Votes
%
For
546,160
55.3
Against
441,785
44.7
Blank votes
14,552
–
Invalid votes
1,865
–
Total
1,004,362
100
Registered voters/turnout
1,394,818
72.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References[]
^ abcdefgNohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1913 ISBN9783832956097