Referendum

A referendum (plural referenda) is a general poll amongst the voters of a jurisdiction, to decide some legislative or constitutional issue in a binding manner - as distinguished from a plebiscite, whose results are not binding.

If the choice presented is negative, i.e. a 'no' vote challenges the status quo and forces action but a 'yes' vote has the same result as not voting or remaining neutral, the referendum is a special case of disapproval voting.

If the choice presented is positive, i.e. a 'yes' vote challenges the status quo and forces action but a 'no' vote has the same result as not voting or remaining neutral, the referendum is a special case of approval voting.

The distinction is important because of the tolerances versus preferences problem, and the culture bias in some societies towards 'saying yes' or 'saying no' to new ideas. Some suggest that the most fair way to present a referendum question is 'status quo' or 'change'.

Constitutions, in many jurisdictions, are modifiable only by referendum.

In a most representative democracy, referenda, the calling of which can only be achieved through the act of a legislature, are a relatively rare event. However, in some jurisdictions, some non-constitutional issues are put to referenda, which can be initiated by a petition of a certain proportion of voters. Many advocate grassroots democracy measures that would make them far more common.

See also: initiative, disapproval voting, political science, representative recall