A three-part referendum was held in Switzerland on 4 October 1896.[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of a federal law on guarantees in the cattle trade, a federal law on the accounting system for the railways and a federal law on the disciplinary penal code for the federal army.[1] Whilst the law on the railways was approved, the other two were rejected by voters.[1]
The referendums were optional referendums,[1] which required only a majority of the public vote,[2] rather than a majority of votes and cantons.[2]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 174,880 | 45.5 |
| Against | 209,118 | 54.5 |
| Blank votes | 20,483 | – |
| Invalid votes | 6,827 | – |
| Total | 411,308 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 714,033 | 57.6 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 223,228 | 55.8 |
| Against | 176,577 | 44.2 |
| Blank votes | 10,095 | – |
| Invalid votes | 3,089 | – |
| Total | 412,989 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 714,033 | 57.8 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 77,169 | 19.9 |
| Against | 310,992 | 80.1 |
| Blank votes | 15,717 | – |
| Invalid votes | 7,295 | – |
| Total | 411,173 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 714,033 | 57.6 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
Switzerland
