# 'Three Times Yes' referendum (1946)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1946-three-times-yes-referendum
Location: Poland

The communists falsified a referendum on the Senate, land reform and the western border, testing techniques used later in elections. Within the broader People'S Republic period: Shifted westward and placed under communist rule, Poland rebuilt from the war but repeatedly rose against the regime, until the Solidarity movement forced a negotiated transition in 1989. At this point in the timeline (30 June 1946), the governing authority was Bolesław Bierut (President of the State National Council, later President of Poland). Communist leader who headed the KRN from 1944, was President 1947–1952 and led Poland through its Stalinist period. 'Three Times Yes' referendum mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
'Three Times Yes' referendum mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Prehistoric communities](https://poland-history.com/rulers/prehistoric-communities)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — 1946 Polish people's referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1946_Polish_people's_referendum)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — 'Three Times Yes' referendum](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=%27Three+Times+Yes%27+referendum)
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)