Two referendums were held inSwitzerland during 1942.[1] The first was held on 25 January on apopular initiative that would provide for the direct election of theFederal Council, as well as increasing the number of members.[2] It was rejected by voters.[1] The second was held on 3 May on a popular initiative "for the reorganisation of the National Council", and was also rejected.[1]
The referendums were both popular initiatives,[1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.[3] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton.[3] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.[3]
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 251,605 | 32.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Against | 524,127 | 67.6 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Blank votes | 13,381 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 3,311 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 792,424 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,278,688 | 62.0 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total | |
| For | 219,629 | 34.9 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 |
| Against | 408,821 | 65.1 | 19 | 5 | 21.5 |
| Blank votes | 30,543 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 1,825 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 660,818 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,283,487 | 51.5 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | |||||
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