§7105 Referenda

Summary

After an order is issued, the Secretary must hold a vote of sheep producers, feeders, and importers who were active during a representative period the Secretary sets. The order only starts if a majority of voters approve it or if the voters represent at least two-thirds of the production. Later, if a group made up of at least 10% of those active (including processors) asks, the Secretary must hold another vote on stopping or pausing the order. If a majority of voters or at least two-thirds of the production favor suspension or ending, the Secretary must stop collecting the order’s assessments within 180 days and end the order as soon as practical. The group that runs the program must pay the Secretary’s referendum costs, except not for federal employee salaries if the Secretary finds repayment too costly. The Secretary sets the vote date and locations. Voters must prove they were active during the representative period and vote that same day. Absentee ballots are available by request in person, by mail, or by phone. The Secretary will also decide how to count importers’ share of production using a pro rata method based on projected or actual assessment amounts.