What is a Referenda?

Created by Eleanor Addison, Modified on Mon, 4 Dec, 2023 at 2:12 PM by Eleanor Addison

A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) is a direct vote in which a specific question or issue is put to the student body for a decision. It is a form of direct democracy where eligible voters can express their opinions and make decisions on important matters. Referendums can cover a wide range of topics, from changes in policy, use of funds, major decisions etc.

Here are the key characteristics of a referendum:

Question or Issue: A clear and specific question or issue is presented to the voters. This question could be about changes in policy, the use of funds, or any decisions that involve the student body.
Direct Vote: Unlike representative democracy, where voters elect FTOs and PTOS to make decisions on their behalf, a referendum allows students to directly vote on the issue at hand.
Majority Decision: The outcome of the referendum is usually determined by a simple majority, where the option with the most votes wins. In some cases, there might be requirements for a certain level of turnout or a supermajority (e.g., two-thirds majority) to ensure that significant decisions are supported by a broad consensus.
Transparency and Information: Typically, information about the issue being voted upon is provided to voters to ensure that they have a clear understanding of the implications of their vote.

Overall, referendums serve as a way for the student body to directly participate in the democratic decision-making process and have their voices heard on important matters that affect their lives and the student community.