People keep voting in support of the death penalty. So how can we end it?
Of the 34 state ballot initiatives seeking to limit or abolish the death penalty, 31 have failed. Is this democracy at its worst?
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Referendum
Displaying 1 - 20 of 45 articles
Georgia’s special election: What does a runoff mean for 2018?
Democrat Jon Ossoff will face Republican Karen Handel in a runoff on June 20.
Turkish referendum grants more power to Erdogan: Democracy no more?
How a once trustworthy NATO ally, an aspiring EU candidate and an emerging power came to be ruled by one strong man.
Should there be second referendums? Ask Duke Ellington
He's been gone for 40 years but the Duke could still make a valuable philosophical contribution to the Brexit debate.
Abbott hasn’t convinced own electors on Senate curb
Tony Abbott's proposal for a constitutional change to make it easier for a government to pass legislation blocked by the Senate does not have support in his own electorate, according to polling.
The Italian referendum: No Trump nor Brexit
The Italians have rejected Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's constitutional reform package. Now the real struggle for Italy begins.
The ‘no’ vote in Italy’s referendum triggers economic and political uncertainty
The "no" result from Italy's referendum is likely to brew political and economic uncertainty for some time yet.
Italy votes on constitutional reform but it may not be enough to save the economy
Even if Italy votes for changes that will make it easier for the government to pass economic reforms, the country's economy will still be in trouble.
SA doesn’t need a nuclear plebiscite – Weatherill just needs to make a decision
After a Royal Commission and a citizens' jury, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has enough advice to decide on his nuclear waste dump plan. Which makes his decision to hold a plebiscite baffling.
Controversial constitutional referendum sparks distrust in Cote d'Ivoire
The proposed new constitution would allow Alassane Ouattara to remain as president. Opposition parties see this move as a constitutional “coup” that will also protect his allies.
Cyprus considers its next peace vote in the wake of Colombia and Brexit
Referendums are not only divisive as tools of political democracy, they also turn everyday life into a new challenge.
Don’t be fooled by Sturgeon: we’ll see no indyref2 for Scotland until Brexit is clearer
The independence bill is a short-term win but no game-changer.
Genuine democracy involves more than just polling people
There are several different ways to approach democracy. Polls, elections and referenda all feature, but they're not the only way to deepen democracy.
Colombia did not vote ‘no’ in its peace referendum – what the statistics reveal
A look through the ballot papers shows the declared result in Colombia's crucial vote is far from definitive.
As Colombia prepares to vote for peace with FARC, a former president says no
After 52 years fighting the FARC, Colombia is about to vote on a comprehensive peace deal. But not everyone wants in.
A momentous peace deal with the FARC – so what next for Colombia?
History was made with the agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC. Making the gesture a reality will require a concerted effort from all involved.
The cynical thinking behind Hungary’s bizarre referendum
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has caught referendum fever. He is giving his public a vote on refugee policy in what is being seen as a two-fingered salute to the EU.
Grattan on Friday: There’s seldom been a harder time to get things done
For the more modest aim of delivering steady, competent government – well, it's no wonder Malcolm Turnbull is raging.
Why did Britain vote for change when so many referendums end in the status quo?
When confronted with two options, the electorate generally gets scared and votes for the status quo. We now see what happens when both options are frightening.
Breaking down Brexit: how the UK voted
How the Brexiters won it on the night.
Top contributors
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Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
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Professor, Griffith Business School, Griffith University
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Professor of Politics and Public Policy, University of Stirling
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Emeritus Professor, School of Science, Griffith University
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John Zerilli is a Friend of The Conversation.
Tutor in Law and Philosophy, PhD Candidate, Australian National University
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Reader in Politics, University of Surrey
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Head of Politics, University of Liverpool
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Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham
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Senior Lecturer in Law, Australian National University
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Ontario Research Chair in Bioethics and Public Policy, Queen's University, Ontario
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Australian Research Council Fellow in the School of History, Australian National University
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Professor of Public Administration, Donetsk State Management University
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Professor in Media Politics, University of the West of Scotland
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Professor of Environmental Geography, Northumbria University, Newcastle
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PhD Student, Strathclyde University
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