What is a Referendum?

What is a Referendum?

A referendum (plural = referenda) is a direct vote in which all full members of the Union are asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal on a range of questions put forward by students at Solent. Students are usually asked to vote “yes” or “no” to a particular question; the outcome of which shapes the Students’ Union, ensuring that it is student-led. Brexit is an example of a referendum at a national level. 

How does this work at Solent?

There are three ways to submit suggestions:

• a secure petition signed by at least 150 members of Solent Students' Union (subject to articles 35.1 and 37.2.1 of our Articles of Association
• a resolution of the Trustees
• a majority vote of Student Council

The result of a referendum is only binding if it receives 300 or more votes. The winning outcome is decided by a simple majority.