By Decree of the President of the Republic of January 13, 2026, published in the Official Journal of January 14, 2026, the date of March 22 and 23, 2026, was set for holding the referendum pursuant to Article 138 of the Constitution to amend some articles of the Constitution (so-called “Justice Reform”).
Voters residing in Italy, who are temporarily abroad for work, study, or medical treatment reasons, for a period of at least three months, which includes the date of the next referendum pursuant to Article 138 of the Constitution (March 22 and 23, 2026), as well as the family members living with them, may exercise their right to vote by mail pursuant to Article 4-bis, paragraph 1, of Law No. 459 of December 27, 2001.
To receive the electoral package (containing the ballot) at their temporary residence address abroad, the aforementioned voters shall give a specific notice of choice (so-called option) DIRECTLY to the Municipality where they are registered on the electoral rolls by Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The option (which can be made using the attached form or on plain paper) shall be sent to the Municipality where they are registered on the electoral rolls by mail, email, or certified email. It can alternatively be submitted in person, also by an authorized person.
The option, which shall mandatorily be accompanied by a copy of the voter’s valid ID, shall in any case include the voter’s full postal address abroad to which the electoral package shall be sent, as well as the name of the competent Consular Office. It shall also include a declaration certifying that the voter meets the requirements for voting by mail, i.e. being temporarily abroad for work, study, or medical treatment reasons, for a period of at least three months (including the date of the voting) in a foreign country where he /she is not registered as resident, or being a family member of a citizen who meets the aforementioned requirements. This procedure also applies to Italian citizens registered with AIRE and temporarily residing in a CONSULAR DISTRICT other than the one of their permanent residence.
The option shall be made pursuant to Articles 46 and 47 of Decree of the President of the Republic No. 445 of December 28, 2000 (Consolidated Law on Legislative and Regulatory Provisions on Administrative Documents), declaring of being aware of the criminal consequences in the event of false statements (art. 76 of the aforementioned Decree 445/2000).
The choice made may be subsequently withdrawn using the same procedures as described above, by the same deadline (February 18, 2026). Please note that the option is valid only for the voting to which it refers.
