A referendum is defined as the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative.  Referendums can be initiated by the public to achieve a goal involving local government or by the government to collect public appraisal through voting (opinion polling).  A petition that gains adequate signature support can result in a referendum/public voting being held to determine a final outcome.

Petitions and votes can influence government practices, local city ordinances, contest election results or initiate judicial reliefs, signifying the public can modify or persuade government through group consensus and voting.   

Direct Democracy
Referendums act as a tool of direct democracy allowing citizens to approve or reject local legislative events or vote on other measures citizens have petitioned for and brought to public vote as a referendum.

Explains referendums in Wisconsin

“Let the People Decide” Initiative & Referendum in WI -State of WI Leg Ref Bur

Referenda take place in municipalities within Wisconsin counties but State-wide referenda are no longer executed within the State even though attempts have been made to restore the function.  

Protest Referendum – Using petitions, citizens can force a previously passed law onto the ballot where they may accept or reject it. In effect, the referendum allows voters to repeal a law by giving them a veto over legislative action.

Referendums in Chapters of WI Legislation
Wisconsin referendums are governed primarily by Chapters 5 through 12 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which outline general election administration, ballot placement, notices, and deadlines.  Depending on the specific type of referendum, provisions are additionally dispersed throughout several other key chapters: 

Chap 8 Nominations, Primaries, Elections: Covers the official filing of referendum petitions, procedures for placing questions on the ballot, and requirements for special elections/referendums.

Chap 9 Post-Election Actions; Direct Legislation: Recount, Recall, Direct Legislation

Chap 10 Election Notices: Dictates the publication, types, and timelines of legal notices required to inform voters about upcoming referendums.

Chap 12 Prohibited Election Practices: Details prohibited practices, election bribery, and the regulations regarding political communications and campaign periods specific to referendums.

Chap 59 Counties: Contains regulations specifically for county-level government referendums, such as changing a county seat or ratifying county ordinances.

Chap 66 General Municipality Law: Governs local municipal (city, village, or town) ballot measures, including charter ordinances, annexations, and municipal consolidations.

Chap 67 Municipal Borrowing & Municipal Bonds: Establishes the procedures for holding bond and municipal borrowing referendums.