Referendum 2026: When is the vote on justice reform? Dates, times and how to do it

Here we are. After months of water-cooler chats, courtroom rows and banners outside the courthouses, the big day is just around the corner. If you've been wondering when the referendum vote is, grab a red marker and mark these dates on your calendar: voting takes place on Sunday 22 and Monday 23 March 2026.

I know, voting on a Monday seems a bit odd, but it happened for the last European elections too. They've stretched the timetable to give everyone a chance to have their say, especially since this is a pretty serious constitutional reform. Voting is from 7am to 11pm on Sunday, and from 7am to 3pm on Monday. So, if you've an early start on Monday morning, you can practically call into the polling station before heading to the office. Handy, right?

And while we're at it, let's skip the boring technical jargon: today I'll try to explain it as if we were catching up over a coffee, starting with a memory that came back to me reading the headlines these days.

When voting becomes history: from South Sudan to Italy

Every time I hear talk of a referendum, my mind shoots back to 2011. I was glued to the telly following the 2011 South Sudanese independence referendum. Serious stuff, one of those times when the piece of paper in the polling booth genuinely changes the world's borders. Nearly 4 million South Sudanese, after decades of civil war, turned up at the polls from 9 to 15 January. The result? A landslide: 98.83% voted for independence. The birth certificate of a nation.

Now, our referendum won't exactly create a new state, but in its own way, it's trying to shake up a part of the Constitution that matters to everyone: Justice. That's why, when it comes to voting in this referendum, you can't take it lightly.

What changes if the Yes (or No) vote wins

I won't pretend to be a professor here, but just so you understand what we'll be marking on that light green ballot paper: the reform introduces the separation of careers for judges and public prosecutors. In plain English: those who judge and those who prosecute will follow two distinct paths, with two separate High Councils for the Judiciary. Members won't just be elected by the usual factions anymore, but some will also be chosen by lot to avoid those infamous "old boys' networks."

It also establishes a new High Court for disciplinary proceedings. So, a real shake-up. Supporters of the Yes vote talk about judges being more impartial and focused on defendants' rights, something Arturo Parisi has also highlighted recently. Those saying No, however, warn of "sheriff-like prosecutors" and doubled management costs (rumoured to be an extra €50 million a year).

The practical guide to voting: documents and tips

Let's get down to brass tacks. To vote, you need your electoral card. That old one you usually keep in your wallet along with your supermarket receipts. If it's run out of space for stamps or you've lost it, no panic: your local council's electoral office is open with extended hours. On the days before the vote (Friday 20 and Saturday 21) from 9am to 6pm, and throughout the voting period while polling stations are open. Bring some ID and they'll sort you out with a duplicate in two minutes.

Pay attention to these details so you don't look foolish:

• ID: Your ID card, driving licence, or passport is fine. As long as it has a photo and is valid.
• Pencil: Forget your biro. At the polling station, they'll give you a copy pencil, the one that leaves an indelible mark.
• Assisted voting: If you have mobility or sight issues, you can be accompanied by another voter. No one can accompany more than one person with a disability.

Italians abroad? Here's how it works

For our compatriots outside the country, it's a different story. Those registered with the AIRE (Register of Italians Residing Abroad) will receive an electoral pack directly at home containing the ballot paper and a pre-paid envelope. They need to post it by 4pm on 19 March (local time) to the relevant consular office.

For those temporarily abroad for work, study, or medical treatment (for at least three months), you needed to have applied by last 18 February. If you did, keep an eye on your letterbox: the pack will be delivered straight there.

No excuses: there's no quorum requirement

I know many think: "Sure, if I don't go, it won't pass." But that's not the case here: for constitutional referendums, there's no quorum. The side with the most votes between Yes and No wins, regardless of how many people turn out to vote. In other words, if you stay at home, others decide for you. And since we're talking about changing the Constitution, it's probably worth popping into the polling station, even just to mark your preferred cross.

So, between a card game and your Sunday outing, carve out half an hour. The future of Italian justice is also in your hands. And in the pub the next day, you'll be the only one who can say "I was there" with real authority.