The Consequences of Not Voting: What Happens if You Abstain from Elections

What Are the Risks of Not Voting?

It is a common belief that abstaining from voting repeatedly (from 5 to 10 times) could lead to serious consequences, such as the withdrawal of the voter’s card and the loss of the right to vote.
Many times, people end up voting more out of obligation than out of the opportunity to express their will during an election, only to then cast a blank ballot due to not knowing who to vote for.

As the European elections begin today, it is important to debunk these popular beliefs: from a legal standpoint, those who do not vote do not risk anything, regardless of the type of electoral competition.
It is crucial not to believe the fake news about abstaining from elections.
However, it is important to understand that expressing one’s vote is fundamental as it represents the only moment (or almost the only moment) in which one actively participates in the political and institutional life of the country.

Voting is important but not mandatory, and except for the case of a abrogative referendum, valid only when a certain number of voters show up at the polls (the so-called quorum), there are no consequences on the election results.
In the case of European, national, or local elections, not voting is simply considered as such: it is not true that not showing up supports the majority.
Nevertheless, it is correct to say that abstaining effectively represents a “non-decision”.

This does not mean that the right to vote cannot be lost: there are indeed various situations in which a judge can revoke a citizen’s civil and political rights, but repeated abstention from voting is not among them.

Reiterating the importance of voting – and doing so after being informed, for example by consulting our guide on the European elections 2024 programs – let’s see concretely what the rules on the right to vote in Italy provide, when it can be lost, and the consequences for those who do not show up at the polls.

The Right to Vote According to the Constitution

Italian citizens, after turning 18, can vote in administrative, political elections, and referendums, by presenting their voter card and a valid ID.
At 18, they can also vote for the Chamber of Deputies and, but only recently, for the Senate (where there used to be a minimum age requirement of 25 years).

The right to vote is outlined in Article 48 of the Constitution:

“All citizens, men and women, who have reached the age of majority are voters.
The vote is personal and equal, free and secret.
Its exercise is a civic duty.
The law establishes requirements and methods for the exercise of the voting rights of citizens residing abroad and ensures its effectiveness.
For this purpose, an Overseas constituency is established for the election of the Chambers, to which seats are assigned in the number established by constitutional provision and according to criteria determined by law.”

This right is not lost even after years of abstaining from voting, as the Constitution also specifies that:

“The right to vote can only be limited due to civil incapacity or as a result of an irrevocable criminal sentence or in cases of moral unworthiness indicated by law.”

Therefore, except for the above-mentioned cases, the right to vote is maintained even if not exercised for several years.

Meaning and Political Consequences of Not Voting

There are no legal consequences for those who do not vote: there are no fines or sanctions, and the right acquired at the age of 18 is not lost (unless serious crimes are committed).

However, not voting does not impose any restrictions in public competitions.
Nonetheless, if a large number of people forgo voting, there can be political and institutional consequences.
Not voting often signifies disenchantment and disinterest in politics and the country’s affairs.
Often, those who do not vote do so to protest against corruption or the immobility of the political class, or because they believe that voting does not change anything.

In one particular instance, not voting can influence the final result: this is the case of an abrogative referendum, where the vote’s outcome is considered valid only if a certain quorum is reached – at least 50% (+1) of eligible voters.

By abstaining from voting in an abrogative referendum, one risks contributing to its failure.
In this case, even abstention expresses a preference.

It should be noted that the quorum is not required for constitutional referendums.

The Right to Vote in the Past

Where does the belief that not voting can cause the loss of more than just a right come from? It should be mentioned that things have not always been as they are today.
In the past, not voting could lead to various consequences, sometimes severe.

For example, in 1957, voting was a compulsory duty which no citizen could evade as per the Consolidated Text of the Laws on elections.
To better explain the situation, Article 115 stated:

“The voter who did not exercise the right to vote must justify it to the mayor.
The list of those who abstain from voting without justified reason is posted for one month in the municipal register.
For a period of five years, the mention ‘did not vote’ is recorded in the certificates of good conduct.”

The norm was repealed in 1993; for more than 20 years, the situation has radically changed as there are no longer any sanctions or consequences for those who do not vote.
It is up to the voter to decide whether and what to vote for, and no institution can interfere with free will.