Italy’s Justice Referendum: Turnout Soars as Meloni Faces Key Test

Rome, Italy – Italy is holding a two-day referendum on judicial reform, with early indications pointing to record voter turnout. The vote, which began on Sunday, March 22nd and continues through Monday, March 23rd, is widely seen as a crucial test for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, one year ahead of national elections.

Record Turnout Signals High Stakes

As of 11:00 PM on Sunday, March 22nd, voter turnout reached 46.07%, according to data from the Interior Ministry’s Eligendo website. This figure surpasses turnout for any other two-day referendum in Italy this millennium. At 7:00 PM on Sunday, turnout stood at 38.90%, significantly higher than the 29.7% recorded at the same time during the 2020 referendum on reducing the number of parliamentarians.

At midday on Sunday, turnout reached 14.88%, doubling the 7.4% recorded at the same time during the 2025 referendum on work, and citizenship. This is also the highest midday turnout for any referendum in the past 23 years.

What’s at Stake?

The referendum concerns a reform that would split the career paths of judges and prosecutors, a change already approved by parliament in October. The reform aims to address concerns about the efficiency and accountability of the Italian judicial system. But, it has sparked significant political debate, uniting the center-left opposition against the proposed changes.

Voters are presented with a simple choice: “Yes” to confirm the reform or “No” to reject it. Recent polls suggest a close race, with the “No” camp gaining momentum.

Political Leaders Cast Their Votes

Several prominent political figures have already cast their ballots. President Sergio Mattarella voted in Palermo on Sunday. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini voted in Rome, while Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani voted in Fiuggi. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to vote before the polls close on Monday. Leaders from the opposition, including Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party and Giuseppe Conte of the Five Star Movement, also voted in Rome.

Controversies and Allegations

The voting process has not been without incident. In Garlasco, posters supporting the “No” vote were reportedly torn down. In Naples, allegations surfaced that municipal buses for the disabled were used to transport people to vote “No,” prompting a complaint from Forza Italia. the Five Star Movement reported alleged illegal propaganda in Umbrian polling stations, with representatives of the Brothers of Italy party displaying badges promoting a “Yes” vote.

Looking Ahead

With the polls set to close on Monday afternoon, the outcome of the referendum remains uncertain. The high turnout suggests a significant level of public engagement, and the results will likely have critical implications for Prime Minister Meloni’s government and the future of Italy’s judicial system. Counting will begin immediately after the polls close.