Referendum

Welcome to the Voice of America’s News Words.

You might have heard this word in a story about the trouble in Crimea.

Referendum.

Russian-backed troops have occupied Ukraine’s Crimea region, and the local parliament voted Thursday to split from Ukraine and join Russia.

It scheduled a referendum for later this month.

A referendum is something that is voted on in a special election.

It can decide big issues, like breaking away from one country to join another.

A referendum can also be about something smaller.

Like a vote on a new law, or policy, for a city, state, or country.

Now, when you hear the word referendum, you will know what it means.