Italian referendum

In Italy, a referendum is a direct vote by the electorate on a specific question, used for matters such as repealing laws or approving certain constitutional changes.

In Italy, a referendum is a direct vote by the electorate on a specific legal or constitutional question, serving as an instrument of direct democracy. The term can refer broadly to the country’s referendum system or, in context, to a particular national referendum such as the 2026 constitutional referendum on judicial reform.

Legal framework

The Italian Constitution provides for several legally recognised referendum types, including abrogative, constitutional, advisory, and some regional referendums. These votes are used to ask the electorate to approve or reject a defined legal question. Some abrogative referendums require a turnout quorum, while constitutional referendums do not.

Constitutional referendums

Constitutional referendums are held when Parliament approves certain constitutional amendments, and the measure is then submitted to voters for confirmation. Unlike abrogative referendums, constitutional referendums do not require a turnout quorum to be valid.

Historical use

Italy has used referendums frequently compared with many other European states. Notable examples include the 1946 institutional referendum, in which Italians chose a republic over the monarchy, and later constitutional and abrogative votes on various constitutional and legislative questions.

2026 judicial-reform referendum

On 22–23 March 2026, Italy held a constitutional referendum on judicial reform, which included changes to the organisation of judges and prosecutors. Voters rejected the proposal, with the No side winning the referendum.