A referendum is a direct vote where all citizens get to decide an important question, rather than letting their elected representatives choose for them. Instead of lawmakers in a legislature debating and voting, the issue goes straight to the people. Every voter receives a ballot with the question and typically votes “yes” or “no.”

Countries hold referendums on major decisions that affect everyone, like whether to change the constitution, join an international organization, or alter how the government works. In 2016, British voters participated in a referendum to decide whether the United Kingdom should leave the European Union. Switzerland holds referendums frequently, letting citizens vote directly on many laws.

Some U.S. states allow referendums on state laws and constitutional amendments. California voters have used referendums to decide on tax policies, education funding, and infrastructure projects. A referendum puts decision-making power directly in the hands of the people.

The plural can be either referendums or referenda, though referendums is more common in everyday English.