Direct Democracy in DD&SA
Direct Democracy in the DD&SA model means that residents hold final authority over decisions. Assemblies provide depth and analysis, but the public decides the outcome. This is not a petition system or a symbolic consultation. It is a structured way for residents to approve, reject, or amend proposals that affect their lives.
DD&SA combines the strengths of deliberation and direct voting: assemblies do the hard work of understanding complex issues, and residents exercise final judgement through clear, binding votes.
From issue to decision: the direct democracy cycle
1. Residents raise issues
Residents propose topics online or in person. These can be local (e.g. planning, services, transport) or national (e.g. health, housing, climate). Proposals that gain enough support move forward.
2. An assembly studies the issue
A sortition assembly is selected to examine the issue in depth. Members hear evidence, question experts, and deliberate. Their task is to produce clear, understandable options for the public.
3. Residents vote directly
The assembly’s recommendations are turned into concrete options. Residents then vote directly on those options through secure, transparent voting. The result is binding within the DD&SA process.
What residents can do with direct democracy
- Approve a proposal created by an assembly.
- Reject a proposal and send it back for revision.
- Choose between multiple options designed by the assembly.
- Trigger a new assembly on a related issue if needed.
This gives residents real power over outcomes, not just over who sits in a chamber every few years.
How voting works
Voting in DD&SA is designed to be simple, secure, and accessible. The exact tools can vary by pilot, but the principles stay the same:
- Clear, plain‑language questions.
- Multiple formats: online, postal, and in‑person where possible.
- Independent verification of results.
- Public reporting of turnout and outcomes.
Why this is different from referendums
Traditional referendums often present oversimplified questions with little structured deliberation beforehand. In DD&SA, assemblies do the groundwork first, so residents vote on well‑understood, carefully framed options.
Safeguards and limits
Direct Democracy in DD&SA is not a free‑for‑all. It is constrained by:
- Clear scope: each vote is tied to a specific issue and assembly.
- Evidence requirements: proposals must be supported by published evidence.
- Rights protections: decisions cannot violate fundamental rights or legal protections.
- Transparency: all materials are published before voting begins.
Direct Democracy and assemblies together
Direct Democracy without deliberation can become shallow. Deliberation without direct voting can become distant. DD&SA combines both:
- Assemblies provide informed, balanced options.
- Residents provide final, legitimate decisions.
To see how assemblies themselves work, visit: Sortition Assemblies →
To see how this scales into a full national system, visit: The DD&SA Blueprint →