Italy implements new electoral law for out-of-residence voters

Following the promulgation of Law No. 180 on October 9, 2026, Italian municipalities are establishing special electoral lists to allow voters temporarily residing in a different region to cast their ballots at their place of temporary domicile.

The law applies to political elections, European elections, and constitutional referendums. Eligibility is restricted to voters residing elsewhere for specific reasons, including study or work (minimum nine months), medical treatment (minimum three months), or providing family care and assistance to minors.

This new electoral framework, which some political analysts have nicknamed ‘Meloncellum’, includes a governability prize. If a coalition secures more than 42 percent of the vote in both houses of Parliament, they would be awarded an additional 70 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 35 seats in the Senate to ensure an absolute majority.