An unofficial referendum on becoming an overseas department was held in Saint Pierre and Miquelon on . The ballot was notable for the inclusion of the protest vote (), which received the most votes.
Background At the time of the referendum, Saint Pierre and Miquelon was classified as an overseas territory, granting it a high degree of autonomy.
However, by the 1970s, the French government began a push to transition the territory into an overseas department, a move that was met largely with local opposition. A draft bill providing for the departmentalization of the islands was tabled in the French Senate on .
In response, the referendum was convened by the mayors of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon-Langlade, despite disapproval from the islands' deputy and the member of the Economic and Social Council.
Results
Aftermath The results of the referendum were not recognized by the General Council or the French National Assembly.
On 19 July 1976 the bill was ratified and Saint Pierre and Miquelon became an overseas department. Nine years later, on , the archipelago was reorganized to a territorial collectivity.
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