Justice Referendum 2026: When to vote? Dates, times, and how to do it

Here we go. After months of kopitiam talk, heated debates in parliament, and banners outside courthouses, the big day is just around the corner. If you've also been wondering when to vote for the referendum, mark these dates on your calendar in red: voting is on Sunday, 22 March and Monday, 23 March 2026.

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

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

When voting becomes history: From South Sudan to Italy

Whenever I hear about a referendum, my mind flashes back to 2011. I was glued to the TV following the 2011 South Sudanese independence referendum. Serious stuff, one of those times when that piece of paper in the voting booth actually changes the world's map. 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 create a new country, but on a smaller scale, it aims to revolutionise a part of the Constitution that matters to everyone: Justice. That's why, when it's time to vote, you can't take it lightly.

What changes if Yes (or No) wins

I won't pretend to be a professor here, but just so we 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 Higher Councils of the Judiciary. Members won't just be elected by internal factions anymore, but some will also be chosen by lot to avoid those infamous "old boys' clubs."

It also establishes a new High Court for disciplinary proceedings. Basically, a major revamp. Supporters of the Yes vote talk about judges being more impartial and rights-focused, as Arturo Parisi also highlighted recently. Those saying No, however, are warning about "sheriff-like prosecutors" and administrative costs that could double (estimates suggest an extra 50 million euros a year).

The practical voting guide: 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 need to panic: the electoral office at your local town hall (Comune) will be open with extended hours. On the days before the vote (Friday 20 and Saturday 21) from 9 am to 6 pm, and throughout the voting hours while polling stations are open. Bring an ID, and they'll issue you a duplicate in two minutes.

Pay attention to these details so you don't end up blur like sotong:

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

Italians abroad? Here's what to do

For our fellow citizens outside the country, it works a bit differently. Those registered with AIRE (the registry of Italians residing abroad) will receive an electoral package directly at home, containing the ballot paper and a pre-paid envelope. They must send it back by 4 pm 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), the application deadline was 18 February. If you applied, keep an eye on your mailbox: the package will be delivered straight there.

No excuses: No minimum turnout required

I know many people think: "If I don't go, it won't pass anyway." But actually, that's not true: for constitutional referendums, there's no minimum turnout requirement (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 home, others will decide for you. And since this is about changing the Constitution, it's probably worth making a trip to the polling station, even just to mark the cross of your choice.

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