Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1897.Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1905 The first was held on 28 February on a federal law establishing a Central Bank, and was rejected by a majority of voters. The second and third were held on 11 July concerning an amendment to article 24 of the constitution and on legislation on potentially harmful foodstuffs and stimulants. Both were approved by a majority of voters and cantons.
Background The referendums on the constitutional amendment and the foodstuffs legislation were mandatory referendums, which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.Nohlen & Stöver, p1891 The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton. Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half. The Central Bank referendum was an optional referendum, which required only a majority of the public vote.
Results
Central Bank ChoiceVotes%For195,76443.3Against255,98456.7Blank votes8,198–Invalid votes2,197–Total462,143100Registered voters/turnout715,34264.6Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Amendment to article 24 of the constitution ChoicePopular voteCantonsVotes%FullHalfTotalFor156,10263.514416Against89,56136.5526Blank votes25,444––––Invalid votes6,077––––Total277,18410019622Registered voters/turnout716,88338.7–––Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Legislation on foodstuffs and stimulants ChoicePopular voteCantonsVotes%FullHalfTotalFor162,25065.116518.5Against86,95534.9313.5Blank votes24,023––––Invalid votes4,624––––Total277,85210019622Registered voters/turnout716,88338.8–––Source: Nohlen & Stöver
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