October

Students' Union Referendum Day - Your Questions Answered

So, what’s happening this coming Monday?
The Students’ Union is staging a Referendum Day this Monday (27 October).

What is a Referendum?
It is essentially an all-student vote – if a proposal of any kind is passed by a majority of students voting in a Referendum, then this proposal becomes a ‘policy’ of the Students’ Union.

Who can vote in this Referendum?
All registered students can vote in Monday’s Referendum – it doesn’t matter what year group you’re in or what subject you’re studying. All undergraduates and postgraduates can vote.

So why is the Referendum happening?
If a certain number of students sign a petition (known as a ‘Referendum Petition’) on any subject, the Students’ Union is obliged to stage a Referendum so that all students can vote and decide what the Union’s ‘policy position’ is going to be in relation to that subject. 

But there are two Referendum questions this Monday, isn’t that right?
That is true – two completed Referendum Petitions were handed in to the Students’ Union on 15 October and, as a result of this, two proposals will be voted on.

What are these two proposals?
One proposal calls for the Students’ Union to adopt a policy in favour of a united and independent Ireland, whilst the second believes that the Union should be neutral in relation to the constitutional status of Northern Ireland.

What is the Students’ Union’s current policy on these issues?
The Students’ Union has no policy at present on the ‘Irish national question’ – this has been the case for many years. 

Do I have to vote on Monday?
Students are encouraged to vote on Monday but it’s not compulsory – it’s entirely up to you.

Do I vote for one of the proposals, or do I have to vote in relation to both proposals?
Again, it’s up to you – you can vote in relation to both, either, or neither of the policy proposals.

How do I vote?
Voting will take place via Queen’s Online on Monday 27 October between 7am-5pm – all that you have to do is log in and follow the link in the ‘Announcements’ box on the homepage.

What is the impact on students if there is a ‘yes’ vote in relation to either or both of these proposals?
In the event of a ‘yes’ vote for either or both proposals, the new policy position(s) will be added to the Students’ Union’s Live Policy File – this is the document that contains all of the policies that have been approved by the Students’ Union Council (the governing body) in recent years.

In terms of the day to day activities of the Students’ Union, there will be negligible impact and things will continue much as before. The Union welcomes and provides support for all of our student members – regardless of their cultural, religious or political views – and we are wholly committed to ensuring that this will continue to be the case. Monday’s vote will change nothing in that regard.

And what if there is a ‘no’ vote?
If there is a ‘no’ vote, then there will be no change to the current position and the Students’ Union will continue to have no policy in relation to this matter. 

Will it not be a bit strange if both proposals are passed? They do seem to be contradictory.
If our students decide to pass both proposals on Monday, then both of the new policy positions will be added to the Live Policy File. That’s how democracy works. 

Queen’s students come from a wide range of diverse and interesting backgrounds, and they hold a variety of views on all sorts of issues, including local politics. If two or more seemingly contradictory policies are passed, this simply reflects the richness and diversity of the current student population at the University.

What if I have any further questions?
You should contact Dominic Doherty, the Returning Officer for the Referendum Day, who will be happy to provide further information. He can be contacted by emailing D.T.Doherty@qub.ac.uk