Five referendums were held in Switzerland during 1950.^[1] The first was held on 29 January on extending a federal resolution on promoting housebuilding, and was rejected by voters.^[1] The second was held on 4 June on the federal budget, and was also rejected by voters.^[1] The third was held on 1 October on a popular initiative "for the protection of ground and labour by prohibiting speculation", and was rejected by voters.^[1] The final two were held on 3 December on revising article 72 of the constitution regarding the election of the National Council and a federal resolution on financial order between 1951 and 1954.^[1] Both were approved by voters.^[1]

The January referendum was an optional referendum, and required only a majority of votes in favour. The other four referendums all required double majorities; 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]