people will Surprisingly for many, the referendum in Bavaria for a total ban on smoking in all public areas. been buildings, restaurants, pubs, beer tents (!) voted with 61% positive votes. I voted no because I thought the current compromise to be sufficient, as a Non smoking. The smoking example, in the small Guinness pub is no longer possible. The referendum immediately after the voting / counting Act, shall enter on 1 August in force: the people's will, majority decides is in order.
In principle, I think a referendum on an issue that affects all citizens and for the budget of the state of no effect has very good. I participated for the first time in my life in a real referendum, which has direct legal force. In NRW, there was even a petition that forced then the legislature, so the parliament, to deal with the issue or bill. This is something else. People's will is law immediately. The low turnout (about 38%) is not a counter argument, because it would open to all voters, they also have the freedom not to vote. Also in Switzerland, the archetype of direct democracy, voter turnout is often not higher.
It feels really good, even if their own Feedback has been unsuccessful. That there should be more often at the state level! I would imagine in any case many policy areas and issues which the public could decide directly, as superior as smart and objective are not the MPs. Anyway, the trodden path to more direct democracy is certainly a good thing, just to allow more participation in "politics". Other countries should be and (Hamburg!) follow it.
