The municipality of Palermo has published an extensive practical guide, dated 22 September, aimed at Sicilian citizens living overseas who wish to take part in the 2026 elections for the Committees of Italians Abroad (COMITES). These bodies—present in consular districts with more than 3 000 registered nationals—serve as a bridge between expatriate communities and Italian institutions, advising on consular services, schooling and cultural promotion. The note emphasises that voting will take place by postal ballot in November but only those enrolled in AIRE, the Registry of Italians Resident Abroad, by 30 June are automatically included. Late movers must submit a dedicated option form to their local consulate at least ten days before ballots are dispatched. Palermo encourages emigrants to update addresses promptly to avoid returned envelopes, a recurring logistical headache that depressed turnout to 4.7 % at the last election cycle. The guide also outlines how aspiring candidates form lists—minimum 100 signatures in districts with over 100 000 Italians—and highlights new MAECI e-services that allow digital collection of endorsements via SPID and electronic ID. For companies running global mobility programmes, the circular is a useful reminder to assist Italian secondees in maintaining AIRE compliance; failure to do so can complicate tax positions and access to healthcare while abroad. Local authorities hope higher participation will strengthen advocacy on issues such as reciprocal social-security agreements and recognition of Italian professional qualifications—topics that directly affect internationally mobile workers.
Source: Comune di Palermo
