Depends on the state. Some, like North Carolina, but the matter to a popular vote. Others had elections for delegates to a secession convention. It believe it was more popular and more widely debated than you seem to think.
The southern people suffered greatly from secession. If they understood the consequences and it had been put up for a vote I wonder if they would have voted to secede from the union.
Depends on region. Western North Carolina, northwestern Virginia, northern Alabama and eastern Tennessee all had strong unionist sentiment throughout the war.
You are correct. A few states did have popular votes.
I think you will agree that the southern people suffered greatly from the decision to secede from the union.
Do you think that they understood the consequences of secession?