In the case of a mandatory referendum (such as an amendment to the Federal Constitution), the cantons also play a role. The proposal is adopted only if the number of ‹yes› votes exceeds the number of ‹no› votes and the majority of the cantons also vote in favour.
The voting results in each canton are used to determine whether the majority of the cantons have accepted or rejected a law. If the majority of citizens in a canton vote ‹yes›, the canton is considered to be in favour of the proposal. A cantonal majority is achieved when a majority of cantons vote in favour.
However, when calculated whether a majority of the cantons has been achieved, the results in the former half-cantons of Obwald, Nidwald, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Appenzell Innerrhoden are counted are counted as only half a vote.