My experience in Canada, having actively participated in both, is that a referendum is a non-binding expression of the opinion of the electorate, whereas the result of a plebiscite is binding on the government. It would appear, however, that this distinction is not universal.
A binding referendum time limit refers to the period within which a proposed measure or question must be voted on by the electorate after being introduced. This limit ensures that citizens have a timely opportunity to express their opinions on critical issues, preventing indefinite delays in decision-making. The specifics can vary by jurisdiction, often defined by laws or regulations governing the referendum process. Typically, this time frame is set to balance public engagement with the need for efficient governance.
A non-binding referendum is a vote in which the electorate expresses their opinion on a particular issue, but the result does not have any legal force or obligation for lawmakers to act on it. It serves primarily as a tool for gauging public sentiment or as an advisory measure to inform decision-makers. While it can influence political discussions and policy decisions, the outcome does not compel the government to implement the voters' preferences.
A referendum is a vote
There is no specific law governing referenda in the UK. The earliest local referendums in the UK were held in Scotland in 1913, on the issue of alcohol prohibition, under the Temperance (Scotland) Act 1913 (repealed in 1976). Referendums at parish-level, by voter initiative, were first legalised in 1972. Like all referenda in the UK these are non-binding - a referendum is only binding if the law calling for it explicitly says so.The first major referendum was held in 1973 in Northern Ireland, amid a nationalist-led boycott, asking if the country wished to remain in the UK or join the Republic of Ireland. The result was 98.9% voting to stay in the Union, with 58.1% turnout. Similar referenda on devolution or to increase regional power have since been held in Wales (thrice), Scotland (twice), North-East England and Greater London. The first referendum to successfully change the law was the 1997 Scottish devolution referendum.The first nation-wide referendum was held on June 5, 1975. It asked voters if they agreed with the Government's decision to join the European Economic Community, with 67.2% voting "Yes" on 64.% turnout. This referendum was not binding, and would not necessarily have led to a change in the law.The first binding nation-wide referendum was held on May 5th, 2011, asking voters if they wished to use the Alternative Vote system for elections to the House of Commons. 67.9% voted "No" on 41.9% turnout. If there had been a "Yes" vote, the referendum would definitely have been followed by legislative action and electoral reform by 2015.
Australia held a referendum to determine whether it would become a republic. How people vote in a euro referendum is not an issue for CA. Referendum was held to determine whether people should smoke or not.
Referendum Party was created in 1997.
Referendum Party ended in 1997.
Election, franchise, referendum or pole
referendum
The root word for referendum is "referendum," which comes from the Latin word "referre" meaning to refer or to bring back.
Abyei status referendum happened in 2011.