What is a referendum?
A referendum is an all-student vote in which a single question is put to students. The options make take the form of a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ or there may be multiple options to reflect the nuance of an issue.
Why can a referendum be called?
1. To agree a political or campaigning policy
2. To approve proposed amendments to the SU’s Articles of Association
3. To pass a motion of no confidence in a Student Officer, Co-Opted Trustee, or Student Trustee
4. To approve an affiliation to an external organisation or to disaffiliate from one
How can a referendum be called?
There are four ways a referendum can be called:
1. A simple majority of the Board of Trustees
2. A two-thirds majority of Assembly
3. A simple majority of student members in a Student Members’ Meeting with a quorum of one percent of the total student membership
4. Any student member via a secure petition signed by one percent of the total student membership entitled to vote. Please email su.elections@durham.ac.uk if you wish to set up a secure petition.
How is a referendum validated?
5% of student members must vote in a referendum for it to be validated. Most referenda require a simple majority for approval.
How are changes to the Articles of Association different?
A referendum to approve changes to the Articles of Association has a slightly different process. This is set out in Article 38.
Two key differences are that this referendum can only be called by the Board of Trustees, not by student members. This type of referendum also requires a two-thirds majority for approval.
How do students vote in a referendum?
All students will be emailed with information on how to vote and you will be able to access the voting portal through the website.
Where can I find out more?
Please see our Articles of Association, articles 99-101.4, for more information.
