[euyyn]

> Why shouldn't it be allowed to ask people's preferences?

Doesn't that happen all the time in polls and in local, regional, and general elections?

[elecbit]

Yes, and after last elections the majority of the Catalan parliament is pro-independence. Instead of proclaming independence, a referendum is proposed, which has the support of 80% of the population in Catalonia.

[euyyn]

Yeah I know that. The point I was trying to make is that the referendum wasn't deemed illegal because "the government of Catalonia isn't allowed to ask people's preferences". It is allowed and it happens all the time.

[DigitalJack]

You can do it your own way, if it is done just how I say.

[euyyn]

Alternatively: You can do it your own way, as long as it doesn't conflict with the law. Like all other things in a democracy really.