Referendums and polls
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What is a referendum?
A referendum is when voters are asked to answer 'yes' or 'no' to a particular question or questions. Voting in referendums is compulsory for enrolled voters.
Federal
At a federal level, there are a number of different types of referendums. The most common is a constitutional referendum held by the Australian Parliament to make changes to the Australian Constitution.
Federal referendums are conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission.
State
At a state level, a referendum may be held to:
find out voters' opinions on certain issues
change certain parts of the state constitution
seek voter approval for a Bill that has reached a state of deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament.
In a state referendum, voters are usually required to tick either 'Yes' or 'No' on the ballot paper.
Local
At a local level, a referendum is held when a council wants to:
change the basis on which the mayor attains office
increase or reduce the number of councillors
divide the council area into wards or abolish all wards
change the method of ordinary election of councillors, for an area divided into wards.
In a local government referendum, voters are usually required to tick either 'Yes' or 'No' on the ballot paper.
For a referendum to pass a majority of voters in the council area must have voted in support of the proposal.
Voting in a referendum is compulsory and the result is binding on the council.
If the referendum is passed, the result takes effect at the next local government elections.
What is a poll?
A council can decide to conduct a poll during a local government election. A poll can be on any issue and is used to guide the council in its decisions. For example:
whether to introduce fluoride into the drinking water
whether to construct a roundabout in the main street.
The result of a council poll is determined by a majority of the votes cast. Voting in a council poll is not compulsory for electors and the result is not binding on the council.
The council can decide whether to poll all voters in the council area or only a portion of voters. As such not all voters may be eligible to vote in a council’s poll.