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Who can vote in local elections
All Italian citizens over 18 can vote in local elections. In addition, EU citizens legally resident in Italy can register to vote in the municipality where they live. This right is guaranteed by EU law and Italian Legislative Decree 197/1996. Non-EU residents, however, cannot vote in local or regional elections. For details on how registration works, see our guide: How to Register for Local Voting as an EU Citizen.
How the mayor and council are elected
In towns with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants, the system is simple: the candidate with the most votes becomes mayor, and the seats in the council go to candidates from the same list. In larger cities, voters can choose separately between a mayoral candidate and a party list. If no mayoral candidate wins more than 50% in the first round, the top two face a second-round runoff two weeks later. This ensures that every mayor has majority support. For the official electoral rules and calendar, the Ministry of the Interior offers a summary: dait.interno.gov.it.
Voting procedure and ballots
Each municipality sends a voting card (tessera elettorale) indicating the polling station. Voters bring the card and a valid ID to the booth. Inside, you will find ballots with lists of candidates and symbols of the political parties. You can vote for a mayoral candidate, a party list, or both. If you choose only the list, your vote automatically supports the list’s mayoral candidate. The system encourages clear local mandates while maintaining proportional representation in the council.
How local elections differ from national ones
Local elections in Italy are highly personalized. Voters often know the candidates directly and may cross party lines more freely than in national contests. Coalitions are smaller and more pragmatic, often built around community issues such as transport, housing, or waste management. While national elections shape Parliament, local elections determine how your city is run day-to-day. To understand how the national system works in contrast, see our overview: How National Elections Work in Italy.
What happens after the vote
Once results are confirmed, the elected mayor appoints a Giunta (executive committee) made up of assessors responsible for key areas like public works, education, and finance. The council, on the other hand, passes local regulations and supervises the administration. Both the mayor and the council are accountable to citizens for transparency, budgets, and service delivery. For a deeper look at how these powers work in practice, read: What Powers Do Mayors Have in Italy?.
Can foreigners participate beyond voting?
EU citizens registered locally can not only vote but also run for municipal council seats. This right is a unique feature of EU citizenship. Non-EU residents cannot run but may participate through community associations, consultative bodies, or volunteering in local projects. To learn about civic duties and how residents can get involved, visit: Civic Duties of Residents in Italy.
Why local elections matter
Mayors and councils control the local budget, urban planning, waste collection, public transport, and many services that affect daily life. Understanding how local elections work helps expats see where decisions are made and how to influence them. Whether you can vote or not, being informed helps you integrate better and engage meaningfully in your community.
