1937 Swiss freemasonry referendum

Popular initiative vote in Switzerland

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28 November 1937

Prohibition of Freemasonry

Results

Choice	Votes	%
Yes	234,980	31.32%
No	515,327	68.68%
Valid votes	750,307	95.81%
Invalid or blank votes	32,809	4.19%
Total votes	783,116	100.00%
Registered voters/turnout	1,187,637	65.94%

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v t e

A referendum on freemasonry was held in Switzerland on 28 November 1937.^[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of a popular initiative that would ban the practice.^[1] The proposal was rejected by a majority of voters and cantons.^[1]

Background

The referendum was a popular initiative,^[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]

Results

Choice	Popular vote		Cantons
Choice	Votes	%	Full	Half	Total
For	234,980	31.3	1	0	1
Against	515,327	68.7	18	6	21
Blank votes	30,578	–	–	–	–
Invalid votes	2,231	–	–	–	–
Total	783,116	100	19	6	22
Registered voters/turnout	1,187,637	65.9	–	–	–
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1911 ISBN 9783832956097
^ ^a ^b ^c Nohlen & Stöver, p1891

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