And a local referendum is not how you become a state, Congressional approval is. A local referendum might help make that happen, but it's in no way the required

And a local referendum is not how you become a state, Congressional approval is. A local referendum might help make that happen, but it's in no way the required legal mechanism or binding in any way. Article IV (in part): New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; ... The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States;