Two referendums were held in Switzerland during 1942. The first was held on 25 January on a that would provide for the direct election of the Federal Council, as well as increasing the number of members. It was rejected by voters. The second was held on 3 May "for the reorganisation of the National Council", and was also rejected.
The referendums were both popular initiatives, which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons as they implied a change to the Constitution. The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton. Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.