Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1923.^[1] The first two were held on 18 February on protective custody and a federal resolution on relations with France over the former free trade area of Haute-Savoie.^[1] The third was held on 15 April on a popular initiative "for the ensuring of people's rights in questions regarding tariffs", whilst the fourth was held on 3 June on amending articles 31 and 32bis of the constitution regarding alcohol.^[1] All four were rejected by voters.^[1]

The referendums on protective custody and tariffs were both popular initiatives,^[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] The referendum on relations with France was a "facultative referendum", which required only a simple majority of voters in favour,^[2] whilst the referendum on amending the constitution was a mandatory referendum,^[1] which also required a double majority.^[2]