§7105 Referenda

Summary

The Secretary must hold a vote of sheep producers, feeders, and importers who were active during a time the Secretary picks. The order only starts if a majority of voters approve it or if voters represent at least two‑thirds (2/3) of the production. After the first vote, a group representing at least 10 percent of those active (producers, feeders, importers, or processors) can ask for a new vote to suspend or end the order. If a majority of voters or voters representing at least two‑thirds (2/3) of production favor suspension or ending, the Secretary must stop collecting assessments within 180 days and end the order as soon as practical. The Board usually pays referendum costs unless federal salary reimbursement is too burdensome. The Secretary sets the date and places, requires voters to certify they were active in the chosen period, provides same‑day voting, offers absentee mail ballots on request, and figures importers’ production share by their pro rata share of yearly assessments.