The following words and phrases have the meanings indicated
below:
ADVISORY QUESTION
A ballot question commonly known as a "straw vote" placed
on the ballot as an nonbinding vote taken to indicate the relative
strength of public opinion and opposing issues or positions. Although
nonbinding, an advisory question shall be initiated, pursuant to this
chapter, by the voters essentially using the initiative process or
by the legislative body essentially using the referendum process as
provided herein.
INITIATIVE
A process that allows citizens to propose new laws (i.e.,
ordinances) or changes to existing laws and to enact or reject them
at the polls. The initiative process for amending the Town Charter
must follow the procedures set forth in Annotated Code of Maryland,
Local Government Article, § 4-305 (Initiation of charter
amendment by petition of voters). Any other binding initiative process
must be authorized by the Town Charter.
MUNICIPAL QUESTION
An issue or question, relating to, or characteristic of a
municipal corporation, and consisting of subject matter over which
the Commission has authority. The Commission shall have sole discretion
in determining whether an issue is a municipal question.
PETITION
A writing signed by a number of registered voters of the
Town which is required by law to place a question or ordinance on
the ballot, or demand a recall election. Such petitions for official
action must be signed by a specified number of registered voters.
REFERENDUM
A process that allows voters to petition an enactment of
a legislative body to a vote of the people. The referendum process
regarding enacted ordinances passed by the Town's legislative
body (i.e., the Cottage City Commission) is found in § 16
of the Town Charter.