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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
referendum
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A quick definition of referendum:
Referendum: A referendum is when people get to vote on whether they want to keep or change a law or decision that has already been made. Some states have rules that let people ask for a referendum if they don't like a law. If enough people sign a petition, the referendum will be put on the ballot for everyone to vote on. For example, in California, people voted in a referendum to change a law about app-based drivers like Uber and Lyft. Referendums can also be used to try to remove someone from their job, like when people in Wisconsin tried to recall their governor.
A more thorough explanation:
Referendum is a process where voters get to vote on whether to approve or repeal an existing law or election result. Some states allow their citizens to conduct referendums, which means they can propose a new law or repeal an existing one. For example, in California, citizens have the right to petition for a referendum. If over five percent of the voters sign the petition, the referendum measure makes it on the ballot.
One example of a referendum is the one that took place in California in November 2020. Californian voters approved a referendum that repealed a statute that defined app-based drivers, such as Uber and Lyft drivers, as employees and not independent contractors. This means that these drivers can continue to work as independent contractors and not as employees.
Another example of a referendum is the one that took place in Wisconsin in 2011. Voters launched an unsuccessful referendum to recall Governor Scott Walker. This means that they wanted to remove him from his position as governor.
Referendums give citizens the power to make decisions about the laws that affect them. They allow people to have a say in the laws that govern their lives.