What element is NOT typically included in a referendum?

A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of legislation or constitutional amendments. The essential elements of a referendum typically include a direct vote by the electorate and a proposal for legislative change.

The requirement for signatures from registered voters typically pertains to initiatives, whereby citizens must gather a predetermined number of signatures to place a proposed law or amendment on the ballot. However, in a referendum, this step is not necessary as the issue is often directly put to a vote without the need for prior signature collection.

Support from the Governor is not a standard requirement for a referendum. While the Governor may influence the outcome or the initiation of certain proposals, the referendums themselves are primarily about the decision-making power of the electorate rather than about securing executive support. The essence of a referendum is to gauge the will of the voters directly, making independent of the Governor’s endorsement or support. Thus, it is accurate to state that support from the Governor is not typically included as an element of a referendum.