As Italy prepares for a pivotal referendum on June 8 and 9, 2025, new voting regulations will allow non-resident students and others temporarily living away from their registered municipalities to cast their votes in their current locations. This development, which is part of a broader effort to enhance electoral participation, was enabled by decree-law n. 27 of 2025, which came into effect in March.
The upcoming referendum will pose five critical questions to the electorate, covering significant issues such as labor rights and citizenship regulations. Importantly, the opportunity to vote in one's temporary municipality is not limited to students; it also extends to workers and individuals undergoing medical treatment who have been away from their registered homes for at least three months.
To take advantage of this opportunity, voters must submit their applications by May 4, 2025. The application process requires individuals to fill out a form available on the Ministry of the Interior's website. This form must be accompanied by a valid identity document, an electoral card, and a certification confirming their status as a non-resident.
Each municipality has established its own procedures for managing these applications. For instance, in Rome and Naples, voters can submit their requests via certified email (PEC), email, or in person at the electoral office, even allowing for delegation. In contrast, municipalities like Milan and Turin offer online submission options through authentication with an electronic identity card or SPID (Public Digital Identity System). Bologna, however, requires all applications to be submitted online, even without SPID.
Once applications are submitted and accepted, municipalities of temporary residence have until June 3, 2025, to issue certificates of admission to vote. This coordination is crucial to ensure that voters do not mistakenly show up at their usual polling stations, thus preventing any risk of double voting.
On the day of the referendum, non-residents will cast their votes in specially designated sections or, depending on the number of applications, in regular electoral sections. Voters are required to bring their original electoral card, the admission certificate from their temporary municipality, and a valid identity document to participate in the referendum.
The five referendum questions are expected to spark significant debate. Four of them focus on labor issues, including regulations around dismissals, fixed-term contracts, and workplace accidents. The fifth question proposes a reduction in the required years of regular residence from ten to five for foreigners seeking Italian citizenship, a change that could potentially impact around 2.5 million people in Italy.
As the referendum date approaches, local administrations are urged to provide clear information to residents about the voting process, especially regarding the new provisions for non-resident voters. This initiative aims to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in shaping the future of Italy, regardless of where they currently reside.
In summary, the upcoming referendum presents a significant opportunity for many Italians, particularly those who have previously faced barriers to voting while away from home. The new regulations not only reflect a commitment to inclusivity in the electoral process but also highlight the importance of civic engagement among all citizens, regardless of their circumstances.
