Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1908.Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1906–1907 The first two were held on 5 July on amending the federal trade law and on banning absinthe. Both were approved by a majority of voters and cantons. The third was held on 25 October on adding article 24bis to the constitution, concerning hydroelectricity and electricity. It was also approved by a majority of voters and cantons.
Background The referendum on banning Absinthe was a popular initiative, whilst the referendums on the trade law and amending the constitution were mandatory referendums. Both types 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.
Results
Trade law amendment ChoicePopular voteCantonsVotes%FullHalfTotalFor232,45771.519521.5Against92,56128.5010.5Blank votes67,405––––Invalid votes1,849––––Total394,27210019622Registered voters/turnout809,54548.7–––Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Absinthe ban ChoicePopular voteCantonsVotes%FullHalfTotalFor241,07863.517620Against138,66936.5202Blank votes15,451––––Invalid votes4,019––––Total399,21710019622Registered voters/turnout809,54549.3–––Source: Nohlen & Stöver
Adding article 24bis to the constitution ChoicePopular voteCantonsVotes%FullHalfTotalFor304,92384.419521.5Against56,23715.6010.5Blank votes14,360––––Invalid votes15,314––––Total390,83410019622Registered voters/turnout809,40648.3–––Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References