Referendums

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The referendum is direct democracy at the state level, in which all Hamburg citizens can decide on a political issue. For a successful referendum, three stages - the popular initiative, the referendum and the referendum - are required.

The popular initiative has come about when it is supported by a signature of at least 10,000 eligible voters.

After a successful popular initiative a referendum may be requested. The referendum has come about when it is supported by a signature of at least one twentieth of the eligible voters (that is around 65,000 Hamburg residents who are eligible to vote).

After a successful referendum, a referendum may be requested. The referendum is successful if the majority of the voters approve and a participation quorum has been achieved.