The Scottish Independence referendum of 1979, which produced similar results with 51.6% wanting out failed because a 40% of eligible voters had to support the p

The Scottish Independence referendum of 1979, which produced similar results with 51.6% wanting out failed because a 40% of eligible voters had to support the proposal. As the turnout was only 64%, this means that only 32.9% voted to leave - shy of the required 40% required for it to be successful. Therefore, for that referendum - eligible voters that did not vote, still contributed to the vote by inaction, and weighted towards the remain camp. This is a much more reasonable way to hold a referendum of this sort, as the burden of change is weighted on those trying to break status quo. Wish we did something similar for this referendum.