variants
or referendums
as in votes
an event in which the electorate votes for or against a law that deals with a specific issue
They are having a referendum so the public can decide the controversial issue.
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Recent Examples of referenda
Twice in the last 12 years, California voters rejected referendums seeking to abolish the death penalty.
—
Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025
They’ve been supposed referendums on what Notre Dame football can be in the modern age.
—Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
The death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, revived debates among Commonwealth countries about leaving the monarchy, with some planning referendums to vote on whether to remove Charles as head of state.
—Hannah Peart, NBC News, 25 Dec. 2024
While the island voted to remain French in referendums held in 1974 and 1976, neighboring Comoros has never recognized its sovereignty and continues to claim the archipelago as its own.
—Sam Mednick and Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Republicans could also wait and schedule referendums for elections in 2026.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Are there other types of referendums in Wisconsin?
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Can citizens bring forward referendums in Wisconsin?
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Unlike about half of other states, Wisconsin doesn't have a process where citizens can initiate statewide referendums.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025
They’ve been supposed referendums on what Notre Dame football can be in the modern age.
—Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
The death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, revived debates among Commonwealth countries about leaving the monarchy, with some planning referendums to vote on whether to remove Charles as head of state.
—Hannah Peart, NBC News, 25 Dec. 2024
While the island voted to remain French in referendums held in 1974 and 1976, neighboring Comoros has never recognized its sovereignty and continues to claim the archipelago as its own.
—Sam Mednick and Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Republicans could also wait and schedule referendums for elections in 2026.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Are there other types of referendums in Wisconsin?
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Can citizens bring forward referendums in Wisconsin?
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Unlike about half of other states, Wisconsin doesn't have a process where citizens can initiate statewide referendums.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near referenda
Cite this Entry
“Referenda.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referenda. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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