His statement comes after Northern Ireland Office Minister Steve Baker suggested that such a vote should require a "super-majority" to succeed, instead of the current simple majority of 50% plus one.
Martin emphasized the importance of not casually dismissing the Good Friday peace agreement, which stipulates that Northern Ireland's constitutional status cannot change without the majority consent of its people.
While Baker's proposal has been criticized by some, it has been played down by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.