The average referendum turnout is even lower, normally around 40 per cent. This seems rather odd, given that in many ways a referendum has more direct influence than a general election; each vote really does count. Perhaps being asked to make judgements so often affects the level of participation. Or more likely, most voters are content with the status quo and prefer not to get involved or push for change. What is noticeable is that when something really important comes along, turnout shoots up: 69 per cent in the vote to abolish the army in 1989, and 78 per cent in the EEA vote of 1992.42
