President Mattarella Votes in Sicilian Referendum on Justice Reform

Palermo, Sicily – President Sergio Mattarella cast his vote today, March 22, 2026, in the referendum on justice reform at the Giovanni XXIII-Piazzi comprehensive institute in Palermo. The referendum aims to confirm a recent overhaul of Italy’s judicial system.

Presidential Vote and Public Reaction

President Mattarella arrived at polling station 535 in via Rutelli, Palermo, where he was greeted by applause and shouts of “Presidente è il nostro orgoglio” (“President is our pride”) from those present, according to reports. He exchanged greetings with the scrutineers and the president of the polling station, wishing them a successful day. Isabella Gambino, a secretary at the polling station, described feeling emotional upon shaking the President’s hand.

Minister Musumeci Similarly Votes in Sicily

Nello Musumeci, the Minister for the Protection of Civil Protection, also participated in the referendum, casting his vote in his hometown of Militello Val di Catania.

National Turnout

As of 12:00 PM local time, national voter turnout stood at 10.03% in Sicily. Provincial turnout varied, with Siracusa reporting the highest participation at 11%, followed by Palermo (10.72%), Catania (10.57%), Ragusa (10.49%), and Messina (10.45%). Lower turnout was recorded in Trapani (8.88%), Enna (8.45%), and Caltanissetta (8.13%), with Agrigento reporting the lowest at 7.64%.

Referendum Details

The referendum concerns a reform of the Italian justice system. Polling stations are open until 11:00 PM today and will reopen tomorrow from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Vote counting will begin immediately after the polls close. A total of 3,860,499 people are eligible to vote in Sicily across 5,306 polling sections.