To vote in a referendum, the general process is as follows:
- Be eligible and registered to vote. Eligibility criteria vary by country and may include age, citizenship, and residency requirements.
- On referendum day or during the referendum voting period, go to your designated polling station or use the available voting method, such as postal voting where applicable.
- At the polling station, show any required identification if needed.
- Receive a ballot paper that poses the referendum question(s).
- Follow the instructions on the ballot paper carefully. Typically, you vote by marking "Yes" if you agree with the proposal or "No" if you disagree.
- Mark your choice privately using a pencil or pen, sometimes behind a voting screen.
- Submit your completed ballot paper as instructed, usually by placing it into a ballot box.
- Your vote is then counted along with others to determine the outcome of the referendum.
Some referendums may have additional features or specific rules depending on the country or election type, such as online voting being unavailable in some places, or needing to register beforehand. The referendum is usually a direct vote on a single issue or proposal that affects governance, law, or policy. This process applies widely, with slight variations in specific countries like the UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
