Rights guide
Vote from America.
By mail.
Italian citizens registered with AIRE can vote in national elections, referendums and European elections by mail. The ballots arrive at your home. You fill them out and send them back. It’s the moment citizenship becomes real.
Updated: April 2026
How it works
You’re registered with AIRE
AIRE registration automatically places you on the electoral roll for the overseas constituency “Estero — North and Central America.” No separate voter registration needed.
The election packet arrives
30–45 days before elections, the consulate mails the packet to your AIRE address. Contains: ballot, small envelope, large envelope, instructions and electoral certificate.
Fill out and send back
Fill in the ballot per the instructions. Put it in the small envelope without identifying marks. Small envelope goes in the large one with your name and signature. Send by regular mail. Must reach the consulate by election day.
The consulate counts
The consulate receives the envelopes, separates the outer (with name) from the inner (with ballot) to guarantee vote secrecy. Counting happens at the consulate.
What you can vote on from abroad
National elections
Chamber of Deputies and Senate. The overseas constituency elects 8 deputies and 4 senators. You vote for candidates in your division (North and Central America).
Referendums
Abrogative and confirmative referendums. Ballots arrive by mail like national elections.
European elections
European Parliament. You vote for the Italian constituency, not an overseas seat.
Local and regional
Not votable from abroad. You must be in Italy on election day.
Requirements
AIRE registration with current address
Ballots arrive at the AIRE address. If it’s wrong, you won’t get them. Update on FAST-IT before elections.
Voting age (18)
For Chamber and referendums. The Senate used to require 25; since 2021, 18-year-olds vote for both.
No separate registration
AIRE automatically registers you. Nothing else to do.
You can also choose to vote in Italy instead of by mail. Notify the consulate at least 10 days before the election. You’d vote at the polling station of your last Italian municipality of residence.
Common questions
Do I need to register to vote?
No. If you’re registered with AIRE, you’re automatically on the overseas electoral roll. Ballots arrive at your AIRE address with no extra steps.
Can I vote in local elections?
Not from abroad. Mail voting covers national elections, referendums and European elections only. For local elections you must be in Italy on election day.
What if the ballot doesn’t arrive?
Contact the consulate. Ballots are mailed 30–45 days before elections. If they don’t arrive, the consulate can reissue. Most common problem: outdated AIRE address.
Is the vote secret?
Yes. You fill out the ballot, put it in the small envelope without marks, small envelope goes in the large one with your name. The consulate separates the two before counting.
Sources
- L. 459/2001 — overseas Italian voting
- Art. 48 Costituzione — right to vote
- Interior Ministry — elections section
Informational guide. Not legal advice.