How does postal voting work? Find out all the details and the explanation in our in-depth study
On 25 September the political elections but not all Italians will have the opportunity to go to their municipality of residence to vote. This is the case of Italians abroad, who can however express the vote by correspondence. This modality is in fact foreseen for the elections to the Chambers but also for the abrogative and confirmatory referendums, governed respectively by articles 75 and 138 of the Constitution, in the countries with which the Italian Government has entered into specific agreements (here the rules for voting abroad).
Postal voting, how it works
The vote by correspondence is provided for voters residing abroad and enrolled in theAIRE (registry of Italians residing abroad) or for those who are in a foreign country for at least 3 months for work, study (such as Erasmus) or medical treatment. The foreign constituency elects 8 deputies and 4 senators and is divided into four areas:
- Europe (including the Asian territories of Russia and Turkey)
- South America
- North and Central America
- Africa, Asia, Oceania and Antarctica
Italians registered with AIRE will receive the envelope with the ballot papers directly from the Italian Consulate. Those who are only temporarily abroad must inform their Municipality of residence through a specific form in which they confirm that they must remain in a foreign country for a period of 3 months, including the date of the elections, and indicate the address abroad where to send the package. The deadline for these elections was August 24, 2022.
The package contains an information sheet with: the explanation of the voting methods, electoral certificate, ballot paper and its completely white envelope, envelope already stamped with the address of the consular office. Once the vote has been cast, everything must be sent using the appropriate envelopes to the consular office, which will then return the plcio to Italy by 4 pm on the Thursday preceding the election Sunday. If the package has not been received, it can be requested directly to the consular office within the 14th day from the date of the elections.
The vote by correspondence on the other hand, it is not granted to those residing in Italy. Even if you are domiciled in another municipality, you will still have to reach the one where you live in order to vote (here all the rules and requirements for the 2022 policies).
Useful links:
- AIRE – https://www.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/italiani-all-estero/aire_0/
- Download the form to vote by mail for Italians residing temporarily abroad – dait.interno.gov.it/documenti/politiche2022-modello-oltre-elettore-estero.pdf
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