What is Assent Voting?
Assent voting, also known as a referendum, gives eligible voters the opportunity to decide whether a proposed bylaw or question should proceed. A proposal receives elector approval when more than half of the valid votes cast are in favour. Assent voting is conducted in accordance with the legislation and procedures that govern local elections.
In some circumstances, local governments must obtain approval from electors—or from electors within a specific participating area—before Council or a regional district board can move forward with certain decisions. Assent voting is one method used to obtain this required approval.
Elector approval may be required for various municipal or regional district actions, such as the disposal of certain utilities or designated parkland, boundary extensions, or the adoption of loan authorization bylaws. When approval is required, local governments may seek it either through an assent vote or by using an alternative approval process.