A two-part referendum was held in Switzerland on 23 May 1875.[1] A new federal law establishing and certifying civil status and marriage was narrowly approved, whilst a new federal law on suffrage was narrowly rejected.[1]
Background
This was the first optional referendum held in the country, as all previous referendums had been mandatory referendums.[2] Whilst obligatory referendums required both a majority of voters and a majority of cantons in favour, optional referendums required only a majority of the public vote.[3]
Results
Federal law on the establishment of civil status and marriage
| Choice
 | 
Votes
 | 
%
 | 
| For | 
213,199 | 
51.0
 | 
| Against | 
205,069 | 
49.0
 | 
| Invalid/blank votes | 
 | 
–
 | 
| Total | 
418,268 | 
100
 | 
| Registered voters/turnout | 
 | 
 | 
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver
 | 
Federal law on suffrage
| Choice
 | 
Votes
 | 
%
 | 
| For | 
202,583 | 
49.4
 | 
| Against | 
207,263 | 
50.6
 | 
| Invalid/blank votes | 
 | 
–
 | 
| Total | 
409,846 | 
100
 | 
| Registered voters/turnout | 
 | 
 | 
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver
 | 
References
- ^ a b Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1902 ISBN 9783832956097
 
- ^ Nohlen & Stöver, pp1901-1902
 
- ^ Nohlen & Stöver, p1891