Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1947.[1] The first was held on 18 May on a popular initiative for "economic reform and rights concerning work", and was rejected by voters.[1] The second and third were both held on 6 July on revising the articles of the federal constitution covering the economy and a federal law on aged and bereavement insurance.[1] Both were approved by voters.[1]
Background
The May referendum, which was a popular initiative, and the July referendum on amending the constitution, which was a mandatory referendum,[1] 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 July referendum on the federal law on aged and bereavement insurance was an optional referendum,[1] which required only a simple majority of votes in favour.[1]
Results
May: Popular initiative on economic reform and work rights
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
244,415
31.2
0
0
0
Against
539,244
68.8
19
6
22
Blank votes
24,694
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
2,734
–
–
–
–
Total
811,088
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,364,771
59.4
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
July: Constitutional amendment
Choice
Popular vote
Cantons
Votes
%
Full
Half
Total
For
556,803
53.0
11
2
12
Against
494,414
47.0
8
4
10
Blank votes
39,695
–
–
–
–
Invalid votes
1,937
–
–
–
–
Total
1,092,849
100
19
6
22
Registered voters/turnout
1,371,760
79.7
–
–
–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
July: Aged and bereavement insurance
Choice
Votes
%
For
862,036
80.0
Against
215,496
20.0
Blank votes
13,573
–
Invalid votes
1,744
–
Total
1,092,849
100
Registered voters/turnout
1,371,760
79.7
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
References
^ abcdefgNohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1913 ISBN 9783832956097
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