Referendum

A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may be the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. The referendum is a form of direct democracy and is governed by The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

A referendum can be called if a petition is submitted to the local authority containing the signatures of 5% of electorate in the Council’s Register of Electors having effect on 15th February in any given year.

This number is published each year and a copy of the notice can be seen below.

There is growing speculation that a countrywide referendum will be held on Thursday, 5th May 2011 asking the electorate to vote on whether or not they would like the alternative vote system. Further information will appear here when available.

For any queries please phone 023 8083 4135