2003 Italian referendum

A double abrogative referendum was held in Italy on 15 May 2003.^[1] Voters were asked whether small companies should be forced to re-employ workers they had sacked illegitimately and whether the property owners could refuse to allow electricity cables to be installed on private property.^[2] Although both were approved by wide margins, the voter turnout of 26% was well below the 50% threshold and the results were invalidated.^[2]

2003 Italian referendum

15 May 2003
Forcing small companies to re-employ illegitimately fired workers
Yes   86.7% No   13.3% Proposal failed as voter turnout was below 50%
Refusal to allow electricity cables to be installed on private property
Yes   85.6% No   14.4% Proposal failed as voter turnout was below 50%

Results

Forcing small companies to re-employ illegitimately fired workers

Choice	Votes	%
Yes	10,572,538	86.7
No	1,616,379	13.3
Invalid/blank votes	446,042	–
Total	12,645,507	100
Registered voters/turnout	49,554,128	25.5
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Refusal to allow electricity cables to be installed on private property

Choice	Votes	%
Yes	10,430,181	85.6
No	1,761,558	14.4
Invalid/blank votes	463,207	–
Total	12,667,178	100
Registered voters/turnout	49,554,128	25.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver