We do not have national referendums. We are not Switzerland or the state of California.
Absentee ballot; or, in some states, a mail-in ballot (that can be used by anyone).
People who cannot go to the polls can request an absentee ballot.
The Ballot or The Bullet ~
because you do it in front of people
It is known as the Ballot Box, a sealed box into which people put completed ballot papers
Party bosses are respected and may have some influence on who goes to the ballot. However, in a democratic set up, it is the people who decide who is going to be on the ballot.
"The ballot or the bullet"
"The ballot or the bullet"
absentee
rich people
While many Americans will vote only by political party many more will pick and choose on their ballots. Many states have what is called "the long ballot." In those states many officials are elected and there are many choices on the ballot. Some people in those states will vote only the party and some people will 'split their ballot' voting for the person and not the party. I live in Texas where we have a long ballot. If I can find a Republican on the ballot who is not an ignoramus I will vote for them.
an absentee ballot.