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, when & how can I sign a petition for a referendum?
A sufficient number of signatures must be submitted for a petition for a referendum to be considered by the National Council.
From 15 to 22 June 2026 inclusive, signatures can be submitted at the following times:
- Monday, 15 June 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m
- Tuesday, 16 June 2026 from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m
- Wednesday, 17 June 2026 from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m
- Thursday, 18 June 2026 from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m
- Friday, 19 June 2026 from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m
- Closed on Saturday and Sunday
- Monday, 22 June 2026 from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m
Entries can be madefor the following referendums:
- GRATIS contraception
- Good Friday holiday for all
- Police - critical staff shortage
- Transparency in parliament
- Compulsory voting National Council election Federal presidential election
You can submit signatures in Innsbruck in two ways:
- online (for this you need the ID Austria)
- in person during the registration week on the 6th floor of the town hall - room 6102
Who is entitled 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 respective deadline .
Persons who have already submitted a valid declaration of support for a current petition for a referendum can no longer participate in the respective registration procedure, as their declaration of support already counts towards the result of the petition for a referendum.
Don't forget your official photo ID!
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.