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Referendums

Your Voice, Your Power!


What Are Referendums at Maynooth Students' Union (MSU)?

Referendums are a powerful tool that gives students like you the chance to shape the future of MSU and have a direct say in key decisions that affect your student life. Here’s everything you need to know to get involved and make your voice count!
 

Types of Referendums:

  1. Constitutional Referendum: Want to change the MSU Constitution? This is your opportunity! A Constitutional Referendum is the only way to amend the articles of our Constitution. For a proposal to pass, it needs over 50% of votes and at least 15% of students must participate.

  2. Policy Referendum: Think MSU should take a stand on an important issue? A Policy Referendum lets you vote on new policies or changes to existing ones. Once passed, these policies are binding on all MSU officers and bodies.

  3. Impeachment Referendum: If a member of the MSU Executive isn’t fulfilling their role, an Impeachment Referendum can be called. This is the only way to officially remove an executive member from their position.
     

How It Works:

  • Calling a Referendum: Referendums can be initiated by the MSU President or the Student Senate and are overseen by the Electoral Commission to ensure a fair process.
     
  • Your Vote Matters: Active participation is crucial! Your vote helps set the direction of MSU on everything from governance to key policies.
     
  • Implementation: Decisions made through referendums are put into action by the MSU Executive, ensuring that the voice of the student body is respected and followed.
     

Why Get Involved?

Referendums give you a unique opportunity to influence MSU governance and policy. It’s your union, and referendums let you steer its course.
 

Fun Fact:
Each time a Referendum is put in place, a number of people complain about its use of the word ‘referendums’ as the plural for referendum. They usually make the point that the plural of referendum is ‘referenda’. Either form of the plural is acceptable.

MSU prefers to use ‘referendums’ as per the Oxford English Dictionary entry, reproduced here:
 

  • referendum . Pl. referendums, -enda. [L., gerund or neut. gerundive of referre to refer.] The practice or principle (in early use chiefly associated with the Swiss constitution) of submitting a question at issue to the whole body of voters. In terms of its Latin origin, referendums is logically preferable as a modern plural form meaning ballots on one issue (as a Latin gerund referendum has no plural); the Latin plural gerundive referenda, meaning 'things to be referred', necessarily connotes a plurality of issues. Those who prefer the form referenda are presumably using words like agenda and memoranda as models. Usage varies at the present time (1981), but The Oxford Dictionary for Writers and Editors (1981) recommends referendums, and this form seems likely to prevail.


Stay informed, be engaged, and help steer the future of MSU!