A referendum is an all-student vote in which a single question is put to students. The options make take the form of a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ or there may be multiple options to reflect the nuance of an issue.

Why can a referendum be called? 

1.    To agree a political or campaigning policy
2.    To approve proposed amendments to the SU’s Articles of Association
3.    To pass a motion of no confidence in a Student Officer, Co-Opted Trustee, or Student Trustee
4.    To approve an affiliation to an external organisation or to disaffiliate from one

How can a referendum be called? 

There are four ways a referendum can be called: 
1.    A simple majority of the Board of Trustees
2.    A two-thirds majority of Assembly 
3.    A simple majority of student members in a Student Members’ Meeting with a quorum of one percent of the total student membership
4.    Any student member via a secure petition signed by one percent of the total student membership entitled to vote. Please email su.elections@durham.ac.uk if you wish to set up a secure petition.

How is a referendum validated?

5% of student members must vote in a referendum for it to be validated. Most referenda require a simple majority for approval.

How are changes to the Articles of Association different?

A referendum to approve changes to the Articles of Association has a slightly different process. This is set out in Article 38.

Two key differences are that this referendum can only be called by the Board of Trustees, not by student members. This type of referendum also requires a two-thirds majority for approval.

What is the purpose of this referendum?

To change Durham SU's twenty year old rules (Articles of Association) so that we are able to better represent students and make it easier for them to get involved in our activity. The key changes are:

1.    To make it easier for students to change the things they want to
2.    More support for Common Rooms 
3.    Cut complex processes

How do students vote in this referendum?

All students have a right to vote in a referendum. You can vote in person at Welcome Fair between 30 Sept - 1 October, or visit the SU office during the hours of 10:00-14:00, Monday to Friday, until 17 October.

Why is voting in person and not online?

We wanted to make it as simple and accessible for all students to cast a vote. You don't need to create an account on the Durham SU website in order to vote, just state your name or student ID number.

Why are Durham SU asking for students to 'yes' and not remaining neutral?

This vote is from Durham SU, about Durham SU, so we’re not sure 'neutral’ works. We’re asking for permission to make our rules better and we think that’s in the best interests of students.

Is anyone campaigning for a 'no' vote?

This isn’t a vote where there’s two opposing views but rather one where the SU needs consent to change. A ‘no’ vote is for things to remain as they are, and while we’d give students a platform to make that argument, nobody wants to argue for things to stay as they are.

How will I know my data is being handled appropriately?

Only Durham SU staff members will have access to your data (name and student ID number). Voting will be anonymous and there will be no personal data on the ballot itself. If you wish to have your vote removed after casting it, only a senior member of Durham SU staff will be able to do this.

What if I want to make a complaint about this referendum?

Any student has the right to make a complaint in any Durham SU election and our usual complaints procedure is in place. Complaints should be sent to su.elections@durham.ac.uk within 28 days of the result being declared.

Where can I find out more?

Please see our Articles of Association, articles 99-101.4, for more information.