By decree of the President of the Republic dated January 13, 2026, published in the Official Gazette on January 14, 2026, the date of the referendum pursuant to Article 138 of the Constitution for the amendment of certain articles of the Constitution (known as the “Justice Reform”) was set for March 22 and 23, 2026.
Voters residing in Italy who, for reasons of work, study, or medical treatment, are temporarily abroad for a period of at least three months, which includes the date of the upcoming referendum pursuant to Article 138 of the Constitution (March 22 and 23, 2026), as well as family members living with them, may exercise their right to vote by mail in accordance with Article 4-bis, paragraph 1, Law No. 459 of December 27, 2001.
In order to receive the electoral package (containing the ballot paper) at their temporary address abroad, the above-mentioned voters must send a specific request (“OPTION”) DIRECTLY to their municipality of registration on the electoral roll by Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The request (which can be made using the attached form or on plain paper) must be sent to the municipality where the voter is registered on the electoral roll by post, ordinary email, or certified email. Alternatively, it can be delivered by hand, including by a person delegated by the voter.
The option, which must be accompanied by a copy of the voter’s valid identity document, must in any case contain the complete foreign postal address to which the electoral package is to be sent, as well as the name of the consular office responsible for the territory. It must also contain a declaration certifying that the voter meets the requirements for admission to vote by mail, i.e., that they are temporarily abroad for work, study, or medical treatment for a period of at least three months (which includes the date of the elections) in a foreign country where they are not registered as residents, or that they are a family member living with a citizen who meets the above conditions. This procedure also applies to Italian citizens registered with the AIRE who are temporarily residing in a CONSULAR DISTRICT other than that of their permanent residence.
The option must be exercised in accordance with Articles 46 and 47 of Presidential Decree No. 445 of December 28, 2000 (Consolidated Law on Administrative Documentation), declaring that you are aware of the criminal consequences of making false statements (Article 76 of the aforementioned Presidential Decree No. 445/2000).
The option submitted may be revoked in accordance with the above procedures within the same deadline (February 18, 2026). Finally, please note that the option is valid exclusively for the election for which it was submitted.
