A referendum on the electoral system was held in Switzerland on 23 October 1910.Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1907 Voters were asked whether they approved of introducing proportional representation for National Council elections. Although the proposal was approved by a majority of cantons, it was rejected by 52.5% of voters. This was the second such referendum, after the one in 1900 also failed. However, a third referendum on the same issue was held in 1918, and passed with 66.8% in favour.
Background The referendum was a public initiative, 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.
Results ChoicePopular voteCantonsVotes%FullHalfTotalFor240,30547.510412Against265,19452.59210Blank votes6,064––––Invalid votes1,971––––Total513,53410019622Registered voters/turnout823,67962.3–––Source: Nohlen & Stöver
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