We’re all for using referendums to give student government officials insight when they consider possible policy changes.

But we think the recent referendum on whether smoking should be banned on campus failed to paint an accurate picture of how the majority of the student body actually feels about the issue.

The results of the referendum are deceiving.

Of the approximate 2,400 students who voted, 1,200 said they wanted smoking banned on campus.

Of the other 1,200 votes, 700 said they would support a partial ban on smoking and 500 said they wanted no ban at all.

At first glance, the vote seems to overwhelmingly support a ban.

But consider this: there were just as many students who voted against a complete ban on smoking as there were who voted for the ban.

And don’t forget, only a small fraction of the student body voted in the election.

Numerous student organizations, including, unfortunately The Daily, didn’t do a good job of letting students know the smoking and other referendums would be on the UOSA election ballot.

But student leaders should consider what a small sample this is if they think about putting restrictions on campus smoking.

Smoking is something that rarely affects people on campus other those with cigarettes in their mouths.

People can’t smoke in campus buildings or within 25 feet of their entrances.

There is no evidence that smoking is problematic to the point that it warrants taking away the freedom of those who choose to smoke.

We think banning smoking on campus is a preposterous idea, one that would unnecessarily take away personal freedom from students, faculty and staff members and anyone else who walks on this campus and desires to smoke.

We don’t know if UOSA leaders will act in response to the referendum. But if they do, students — smokers and non-smokers alike — should be the first to protest.