What is a referendum?

A referendum is best defined as a vote by the people on a specific issue. This process allows citizens to directly participate in decision-making by expressing their preference on a particular policy or constitutional amendment. In a referendum, the electorate is presented with a clear question, often concerning significant changes such as constitutional reforms, legalizations, or contentious social issues, and they have the opportunity to vote either in favor or against it.

This democratic process is distinct from an election for leadership where individuals vote for candidates to hold office, or a legislative body meeting, which involves elected representatives discussing and making decisions. Similarly, while there are processes to challenge laws, these are typically legal or procedural mechanisms rather than direct votes by the populace. The key aspect of a referendum is its focus on obtaining public opinion and consent for specific, often high-stakes issues.