What does a referendum involve?

A referendum is a process by which a proposed law or amendment to existing legislation is submitted directly to the electorate for a vote. This public vote allows citizens to express their opinion or make a decision on specific political questions, typically those that have significant social or legal implications.

When voters cast their ballots in a referendum, they are determining the outcome of a specific policy question, such as constitutional changes, changes to statutory laws, or other important issues that affect them directly. This mechanism is a form of direct democracy, empowering citizens to have a direct say in their governance and enabling them to influence legislative decisions.

In contrast, a vote on a proposed bill represents a legislative process that occurs within the confines of legislative bodies rather than directly involving citizens in decision-making on specific political questions. A public survey, while a tool for gauging opinions, does not carry the authoritative power of a referendum, as surveys typically collect data without binding consequences for lawmaking. Lastly, decisions made by the legislature are part of their responsibilities and do not necessarily involve the electorate in the same way that a referendum does.