Referendum & referendum

Referendums

Referendums are legislative proposals by citizens. They can then initiate a legislative procedure in the National Council themselves. In the first step, a referendum requires a certain number of declarations of support in order for a referendum to be initiated. Once the required number has been reached, the petition is initiated and can be signed by citizens in the second step. If 100,000 signatures are reached, the petition must be dealt with in the National Council. Therefore, in the first step of a petition for a referendum, there is the option of submitting a declaration of support and signing the petition for a referendum in the second step. A declaration of support automatically counts as a signature for the petition.

For which referendums can I currently submit a declaration of support?

Information on currently registered referendums for which declarations of support can be submitted can be found here.

Where & how can I submit my declaration of support for a referendum?

In order to initiate a referendum, a sufficient number of declarations of support must be submitted.

You can submit declarations of support in Innsbruck in two ways:

• online (for this you need the ID Austria)
• in person at Service Unit Registration and residents, passport matters - Declarations of support for referendums & elections Please draw a number under the heading "declaration of support" and do not forget to bring an original official photo ID.

Where & how can I sign a petition for a referendum?

In order for a petition for a referendum to be dealt with in the National Council, a sufficient number of signatures must be submitted.

You can submit signatures in Innsbruck in two ways:

• online (you will need ID Austria for this)
• in person during the registration week on the 6th floor of the town hall - room 6102

Who is eligible to vote?

All Austrian citizens who have the right to vote for the National Council on the last day of the respective registration period and are registered in the electoral register of a municipality on the cut-off date of 24 February 2025.

Persons who have already submitted a valid declaration of support for a current referendum can no longer participate in the respective registration procedure, as their declaration of support already counts towards the result of the referendum.

Referendum

A referendum is held before a law is passed and is used by politicians to find out the opinion of the Austrian population before final decisions are made.