1881 Swiss federal election

Federal elections were held in Switzerland on 30 October 1881.

The Radical Left remained the largest group in the National Council, regaining the majority they had lost in 1863.

[1] The 145 members of the National Council were elected in 49 single- and multi-member constituencies using a three-round system.

The number of seats was increased from 135 to 145 following the 1880 census, and the number of constituencies from 48 to 49; Bern and Zürich both gained two seats, whilst Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Basel-Stadt, Geneva, Schwyz, Ticino and Vaud all gained one.

Voter turnout was highest in Schaffhausen (where voting was compulsory) at 95.2% and lowest in Schwyz at 28.3%.