WHAT IS THE REFERENDUM?

A referendum is a process that makes sure all members get their chance to have a say on the big issues that affect them while they are a part of Leeds University Union.

Wikipedia Definition:
"A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may be the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. The referendum is a form of direct democracy."

Why do we have a referendum?

Each year LUU holds two referenda. These are the way that we make sure members of the Union can suggest changes or new ideas for the Union and that members vote collectively to decide whether these ideas should be implemented.

Any member can submit a motion to the Union. A motion is a proposed new policy or action that aims to benefit our members by making the Union more representative, make the Union campaign on a key issue or make the Union change the way it operates. Previous referendum motions have suggested a new Union campaign on ethical and environmental issues, the creation of the Democracy Zone, changes to the structure of the Student Executive, the creation of a trustee board and many more.

After all the motions have been submitted and been through the process of being agreed by Union Council or by 'petition', a public debate is held regarding the motions. This debate allows members to discuss the pros and cons of the proposals, providing a forum where members can question the ideas, and helping members to decide whether they support the ideas or not. The public debate is followed by voting. All of Leeds University Union members are entitled and encouraged to cast their vote. This makes sure that we involve as many members as possible in deciding whether or not to implement the ideas.

Useful Contacts

If you still want to know more about the referendum you can contact:

The Campaigns and Democracy Support (CDS) Team:
Telephone: 0113 380 1460
Email: referendum@luu.leeds.ac.uk
Visit: the CDS Office located on the Student Executive Level of the Union building.

The Student Executive Officers:
Find out the contact details of each member of the Student Executive at www.luuonline.com/theexec/. Alternatively, pop into the Student Executive office, on the Executive Level of the Union building, to chat to them.