Referendum - California Secretary of State If at least 131 days remain before the next statewide general election, the referendum would be eligible, but not yet qualified, for that ballot On the 131st day before that election, the SOS must issue a certificate certifying that the eligible referendum measure is qualified for that ballot
What Is a Referendum and How Does It Work? - LegalClarity A referendum is a direct form of democracy, allowing citizens to vote on specific issues or proposed laws instead of relying solely on elected representatives This mechanism empowers the electorate by providing a direct voice in governmental decisions and influencing policy
REFERENDUM Definition Meaning - Merriam-Webster The meaning of REFERENDUM is the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative
referendum | Wex | US Law | LII Legal Information Institute A referendum is a process in which an election is used to refer a significant final decision to the public, which then directly votes to decide the outcome Depending on the law in the jurisdiction, referendums may be used in both general elections and special elections
Direct Democracy in America: Your Guide to Referendums, Initiatives . . . A referendum submits significant decisions—typically proposed or existing laws—directly to voters Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute defines it as an election used to refer final decisions to the public for direct votes
Referendum and initiative | Definition, Forms, History, Facts . . . referendum and initiative, electoral devices by which voters may express their wishes with regard to government policy or proposed legislation They exist in a variety of forms The referendum may be obligatory or optional
Initiative and referendum - Ballotpedia The referendum process, also called a veto referendum or citizen's veto, allows citizens to collect signatures to ask voters whether to uphold or repeal an enacted law
California Voter Guide - BallotReady Your next election is on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Everything you need to know about voting in California: registering to vote, voting by mail, voting early, or on Election Day