On March 22 and 23, 2026, Italians participated in a significant referendum concerning constitutional reforms related to the judicial system, specifically the “Norms relating to the judicial organization and the establishment of the Disciplinary Court.” As of 11 PM on March 22, an impressive 46.07% voter turnout was reported, marking a new record in participation.
2026 Justice Referendum Results: Exit Polls Favor “No”
According to the latest exit polls conducted by YouTrend, the “No” vote has a slight lead in the referendum on judicial reform, accounting for 52.5% of responses. The turnout is expected to be analyzed further as results unfold throughout the day.
Voter Turnout Across Regions
- Overall Voter Turnout: As per Ministry of the Interior data, the electorate stands at 51,424,729, with a notable record participation of 46.07% by 11 PM.
- In Milan: The city recorded a turnout of 65.13% based on data from 857 polling stations, far surpassing the national average of 58.90%.
- In Veneto: The participation rate hit 50.55% by the end of the first voting day, significantly exceeding previous constitutional referendum figures.
- Basilicata: The region reported a final turnout of 53.2%, with the Potenza province at 53.89%.
- Trentino Alto Adige: The turnout varied significantly between provinces, with Trento at 65.25% and Bolzano at just 38.80%.
- Umbria: Approximately 65% of voters participated across the region, demonstrating strong engagement.
Political Reactions
- Lucio Malan, Fratelli d’Italia group leader in the Senate, remarked, “We have maintained our commitment to the voters,” emphasizing that the campaign was fair and based on solid promises.
- Gian Domenico Caiazza from the “Yes, Separate” committee noted, “This exit poll indicates a country split in half, reflecting a political consultation far removed from the question posed.”
- Giovanni Bachelet, from the No civil society committee, expressed happiness about rekindling voting interest among millions, calling it a remarkable achievement.
Voting Integrity and Issues
There were reports of minor irregularities during the voting process. In Catania, a voter was identified and reported by the Guardia di Finanza for taking a photo of their ballot, which is prohibited by law. Additionally, in Ferrara, a woman faced similar consequences for attempting to photograph her voting operations.
This referendum on judicial reform is poised to shape Italy’s legal framework significantly, with the outcome likely influencing procedural standards and the structure of the judiciary for years to come. As the counting continues and final results are projected, the political ramifications of this referendum will be closely scrutinized across the nation.
