How to pass a referendum

Have you ever wondered why some CUSA referendums have a great voter turnout and pass with flying colours, while others flop? In this episode, Justin Ball spoke with Carleton Postdoctoral Fellow Michael Wigginton and CUSA's Samuel Easby to find out why.

CUSA’s most recent referendum failed. It was proposing an increase to student levy fees. Cassandra Bellefeuille, one of the Charlatan’s news editors this year, broke the story on March 13. The official results, which the student association released, shows a 16.3 per cent rate of response. 

CUSA proposed a $22.68 per term increase to students’ levy fee to ensure CUSA’s services continue to support students. “Without further reductions.” This was in reference to the latest Haven closure that devastated many in the community. 

The referendum failed with 59.8 per cent of students voting “no” and 40.2 per cent voting yes.

What makes a referendum pass? Why do some fail? Tune in and find out.

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The Charlatan Live is recorded in Ottawa, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin nation. 

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Cover Graphic by Alisha Velji/The Charlatan