The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word REFERENDA
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
E
F
E
R
E
N
D
A
More clues leading to the result REFERENDA
- Occasions for choosing before once between judge and new attorney
- Arbitrator shortly needs new approval for Russian votes
- Judge and attorney bringing in 7 new voting processes
- Neared solution after official votes
- Votes near – defer after review
- Arbitrator stopped early and fixed votes
- Whistle-blower perhaps stopped early and tampered with votes
- Soldiers participating in new and free opportunities to vote
- Whistler earned potential votes
- Polls are free for a change around North Dakota
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "votes" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case votes = referenda.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does REFERENDA mean?
REFERENDA noun- A direct popular vote on a proposed law or constitutional amendment. The adposition on is usually used before the related subject of the vote.
- An action, choice, etc., which is perceived as passing judgment on another matter.