。
The government held a general vote to consult the residents.
Literal
Government [subject-が] residents [target-に] ask general-vote [object-を] carry-out [polite-past-しました].
問う ('to ask, inquire') is a more formal/literary alternative to 聞く, often used in political, journalistic, or academic contexts. 住民に問う ('ask the residents') is a relative clause modifying 一般投票 ('general vote / referendum'). 実施する ('to carry out, implement') is formal-register for 'do.' Typical of news writing.