Italians continued to vote in a referendum on constitutional reforms to the justice system on Monday, with initial figures showing a significantly higher turnout than recent referendums. By 11 PM Sunday, 46.07% of eligible voters had cast ballots, according to data released by the Ministry of Interior’s Eligendo portal.
The high participation rate, exceeding that of any other referendum of the new millennium with two days of voting, has prompted analysis from political parties and observers. The Emilia Romagna region recorded the highest participation with 53.69%, while Sicily lagged behind at 34.94%, according to ANSA news agency.
Voting began at 7 AM on Sunday and continued until 11 PM, resuming at 7 AM on Monday and concluding at 3 PM. The referendum concerns proposed changes to the organization of the judiciary and the establishment of a disciplinary court.
While early polling suggested a potential advantage for the “Yes” side, analysts cautioned against drawing firm conclusions. Lega Senator Claudio Borghi warned against relying on polls, citing concerns about their methodology. Youtrend pollsters described the situation as “imprevedibile” (unpredictable), but agreed that the high turnout would amplify the political consequences of the vote, potentially bolstering or weakening the current government.
President Sergio Mattarella cast his vote in Palermo on Sunday afternoon. Leaders of other parties also voted, including Deputy Prime Minister and League Secretary Matteo Salvini in Rome, and Deputy Prime Minister and Forza Italia Secretary Antonio Tajani in Fiuggi. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was scheduled to vote shortly before the polls closed. Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein and Five Star Movement President Giuseppe Conte voted in Rome earlier in the day.
Several incidents were reported during the voting period. In Garlasco, near Pavia, posters supporting the “No” campaign were allegedly torn down. In Naples, allegations surfaced regarding the use of municipal vehicles to transport voters to the polls in support of the “No” side, prompting an investigation. Members of the Brothers of Italy party were also accused of displaying campaign insignia within polling stations in Umbria.
The high level of engagement was underscored by the participation of Valli Morganti, 104, in Cascina, near Pisa, who cast her ballot accompanied by family members.
Turnout at 7 PM on Sunday was 38.9%, significantly higher than the 29.7% recorded at the same time during the 2020 referendum on reducing the number of parliamentarians. The 2001 referendum on the reform of Title V saw 23.9% turnout by 7 PM, while the 2006 devolution referendum had 22.4% at the same hour. The 2016 constitutional referendum, held over a single day, reached 57.24% turnout by 7 PM. More recent referendums, such as the 2025 vote on labor and citizenship, saw 16.16% turnout at 7 PM on the first day, and the 2011 referendum on water and nuclear power had 30.3%.
At noon on Sunday, turnout stood at 14.9%, exceeding the figures from previous constitutional referendums, with the exception of the 2016 referendum, which was held in a single day. The 2001 referendum saw 7.8% turnout at noon, while the 2006 devolution referendum had 10.1%. The 2016 referendum reached 20.1% at noon. The 2020 referendum on reducing the number of parliamentarians had 12.2% turnout at noon on the first day.
