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. An overview includes: 

1. Every academic spring term during the Student Assembly’s elections, questions may be placed on the ballot for the student body to vote upon.
2. The ballot platform can also be used to pose referendum questions for the student body at any point in the year, given that the referendum complies with guidelines. 
3. In the event that 500 different William and Mary students sign a petition requesting for an emergency referendum to be held on a particular question, the Elections Commission must select a calendar date within 15 academic days of receiving the petition to hold the referendum. Questions should be presented to the Elections Commission no later than 21 days before the referendum is held. This allows for the Elections Commission to have ample time to
   establish the referendum.
4. 250 signatures and completion of the Referendum Question Petition Form are required include a referenda question in a regularly scheduled Student Assembly election (spring or fall).