Public Question

Primary definition

QUESTION. Any "question, proposition or referendum required by the legislative or governing body of this State or any of its political subdivisions to be submitted by referendum procedure to the voters of the State or political subdivision for decision at elections." N.J. Stat. Ann. §19:1-1.

Also known asballot question · referendum question · proposition · measure · ballot measure · referendum measure
1 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
Electronic Voting GlossaryView source
People also ask

What is public question?

The term Public Question refers to a proposition, referendum, measure, or other question submitted to voters for approval or rejection rather than a contest between candidates. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.

How is public question used with ballots?

In election administration, Public Question is applied according to its defined purpose: a proposition, referendum, measure, or other question submitted to voters for approval or rejection rather than a contest between candidates. Officials then use the relevant eligibility, filing, ballot, timing, notice, or procedural rules for that election. The exact process can differ by office, election type, and jurisdiction.

Why does public question matter for ballot handling?

Understanding Public Question matters because the concept can affect election administration, voter participation, legal decisions, or resilience. In this context, it refers to a proposition, referendum, measure, or other question submitted to voters for approval or rejection rather than a contest between candidates. The practical effect depends on the authority, procedure, and jurisdiction governing the specific election, system, or incident.

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Carnegie Mellon University

QUESTION. Any "question, proposition or referendum required by the legislative or governing body of this State or any of its political subdivisions to be submitted by referendum procedure to the voters of the State or political subdivision for decision at elections." N.J. Stat. Ann. §19:1-1.

Electronic Voting Glossary · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Public Question. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/public-question

Sources

1 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026

01

Electronic Voting Glossary
Electronic Voting Glossary

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