Three referendums were held inSwitzerland during 1900.[1] The first was held on 20 May on a federal law on health, accident and military insurance, and was rejected by 69.8% of voters.[1] The second and third were held on 4 November on introducingproportional representation forNational Council elections and the direct election and increase in members of theFederal Council.[1] Both were rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.[1]
The referendums on the changes to the National and Federal Councils werepopular initiatives,[1] which 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 insurance referendum was anoptional referendum,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote.[2]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 148,035 | 30.2 |
| Against | 341,914 | 69.8 |
| Blank votes | 5,636 | – |
| Invalid votes | 1,765 | – |
| Total | 497,350 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 745,228 | 66.7 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 169,008 | 40.9 | 9 | 3 | 10.5 |
| Against | 244,666 | 59.1 | 10 | 3 | 11.5 |
| Blank votes | 17,539 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 7,898 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 439,111 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 747,262 | 58.8 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 145,926 | 35.0 | 7 | 2 | 8 |
| Against | 270,522 | 65.0 | 12 | 4 | 14 |
| Blank votes | 15,734 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 7,316 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 439,498 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 747,262 | 58.8 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
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