Electronic referendum (or E-referendum) is a referendum in which voting is aided by electronic means. E-referendum employs information and communication technology such as the Internet (I-voting) or digital telephones, rather than a classical ballot box system.^[1] Traditionally, e-referendum is organised by governmental bodies but nowadays, there even exist private companies which can facilitate online referendums or other types of e-voting.^[2]

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As with other types of e-elections, an electronic referendum provides a more convenient option of casting a vote for citizens since it is less time-consuming and can be performed without attending an official voting place.^[1] Generally, it has also been assumed to lead to a higher voter turnout and an increase in the citizens’ political engagement; however, this is not always the case as the example of Switzerland shows. E-referendum also renders the referendum voting more accessible to those living abroad and to disabled people.^[1] See more in e-elections.

Similarly to other e-elections, electronic referendums require higher Internet and computer skills. Furthermore, when it comes to manipulating personal data using ICT, trust in the government or other agencies facilitating the referendum voting is crucial.^[1] See more in e-elections.

Considering the European context, it is possible to state that the adoption of e-referendum is little widespread and uncommon.

The Italian seaside town Ladispoli is a pioneer in this field: in 2004, it held three e-referendum. They were concerned with the protection of archaeological sites, participatory budgeting, and the involvement of immigrants in political life. The adoption of the electronic mean was part of "E-poll": a European Union project dedicated to the experimentation of electronic voting. This pilot project took place also in other four Italian cities: Avellino, Campobasso, Specchia, and Cremona. In the case of Ladispoli, the vote was open to all 24.000 citizens and 2.500 immigrants regularly registered at the municipal office.^[3]

Lately, in 2005, e-referendum was also experimented in Tallinn, the Estonian capital city. In the same year, Spain and France experienced the e-referendum, adopting the remote i-voting and special tools, respectively.

However, Switzerland represents the only country that effectively used the electronic mean. Indeed, many technological solutions have been used since 2000, so even text messages were allowed according to the Zurich E-voting System.