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A referendum was held in Iceland between 20 and 23 May 1944. Voters were asked whether the Union with Denmark should be abolished and whether to adopt a new republican constitution. Both measures were approved with more than 98% in favour. Voter turnout was 98.4%, and 100% in two constituencies, Seyðisfirði and Vestur-Skaftafjellssýsla.
Aftermath
The Republic of Iceland came into being on 17 June 1944. Since Denmark was still occupied by Nazi Germany, many Danes felt offended that the step should have been taken at that time. Nevertheless, King of Denmark Christian X sent a message of congratulations to the Icelandic people.
References
Icelandic constitutional referendum, 1944 Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA