Referenda

A referendum is a question posed to the student body to determine direction for relevant matters. The ability to poll the student body regarding pertinent matters informs the Student Assembly of student opinion. There is no limit on the number of questions that may be posted on the ballot.

The Student Assembly Code outlines the process for Referenda.  All Referendum Questions Submissions from students must comply with the Student Assembly Constitution and Code and all submission processes established by the IEC.  Please consult with saelections@wm.edu for additional information. 

To include a referendum question in the General Election, a student must submit an official Referendum Question Petition Form to the Elections Commission; the form must include a minimum of 250 signatures from enrolled students. Questions must be submitted at least 21 days before the General Election to appear on the ballot. 

To establish an emergency referendum outside of the General Election, a student submits an official Referendum Question Petition Form to the Elections Commission; the form must include a minimum of 500 signatures from the student body. Emergency referenda will be scheduled at the discretion of the Elections Commission, no earlier than 21 days after receipt of a completed referendum Question Petition Form. 

In referendum petition submissions, the IEC will work with the petitioners to finalize language for the referendum for the purpose of enhancing clarity and reducing bias. 

Referendum Question Petition Form

When submitting a Referendum Question Petition Form, you must include signatures which will be verified.  In order to verify signatures as efficiently as possible, please make sure that the signature sheets include the proposed question and the following information for each signer:

• Printed Name
• W&M email address
• Signature (no e-signatures)
• Date 

We have created a  Referendum Petition Signature Sheet template that you can use (optional) when gathering signatures.