Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1939.^[1] The first two were held on 22 January on a popular initiative on civil rights (which was rejected) and a federal resolution on the restricted use of the urgency clause in the constitution (which was approved).^[1] The third was held on 4 June on a constitutional amendment regarding the funding for government policies on defence and unemployment, and was approved by voters.^[1] The fourth was held on 3 December on a federal law on the employment status and insurance for federal civil servants, and was rejected by voters.^[1]

The referendums on the urgency clause and the funding of defence and unemployment policies both involved amending the constitution, and so were "obligatory" referendums,^[1] requiring 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 popular initiative on civil rights also required a double majority, whilst the referendum on civil servants was an optional referendum,^[1] requiring only a majority of voters in favour to pass.^[2]