referendum

/ˈrɛfəˌrɛndəm/

/rɛfəˈrɛndəm/

Other forms: referendums; referenda

A referendum is a direct vote by the people on a specific proposal, law, or political issue. It's often part of a larger election.

On many issues, our elected representatives argue, negotiate, and make a law, but sometimes there's a referendum — the issue is put directly to the people for a vote as part of an election. Usually, a referendum is a yes or no question. Smaller groups can have referendums, too — like a school system deciding whether or not to have school uniforms or a longer school year.

Definitions of referendum

1. noun

   a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate
   type of:

   vote

   the opinion of a group as determined by voting