Referendum, who voted and how they voted according to gender, age, education level, and employment status

A timely analysis of electoral flows, developed based on estimates from Ipsos Doxa, published by Corriere della Sera, reflects the image of a deeply divided country. The overall result, with “No” at 53.7% against 46.3% for “Yes” in the face of a high abstention rate (41.8%), conceals marked and polarized socio-demographic dynamics within it.

Observing voting choices by gender, age, education level, and employment status, it clearly emerges how the orientation at the polls has been strongly influenced by cultural capital and position in the socio-economic fabric.

On the gender front, a contained but significant difference is recorded.

Men (48.5% of the sample) showed a greater openness to “Yes” (48.5%) compared to women, although remaining in the minority compared to “No” (51.5%). Women voters (51.5% of the electorate) indeed secured the victory of “No” with 55.9% and also demonstrated a greater propensity for not voting (43.5% compared to 40% for men).

However, the most evident fractures emerge by age. The “No” clearly prevails among the younger population: in the 18-34 age group, it reaches 55.3%, a percentage that rises to 57.6% among those 35-49 years old. There is only one stronghold for “Yes”: middle-aged citizens. Among those 50-64 years old, “Yes” achieves an absolute majority (53.3%). Over 65 years old, the balance tips back in favor of “No” (56.6%).

The real dividing line of the consultation is the level of education. As the level of education increases, the “No” strengthens in a proportional and clear manner. Among graduates (16.2% of the electorate), it reaches an almost plebiscitary result: 67.9%, against 32.1% for “Yes”, with one of the lowest abstention rates (32.5%). Among diploma holders (35.6% of voters), the gap narrows, but “No” remains ahead at 52.6%. The trend reverses among those who only have middle or elementary school diplomas: in this group, which constitutes the largest segment of the electorate (48.2%), “Yes” prevails with 51.4%, while the highest rate of abstention from the polls is also recorded (47.4%).

The fracture is also faithfully reflected in the professional conditions, with clear indications regarding participation. The students are the most mobilized category against the proposal: they show the lowest abstention rate (26.3%) and reject the measure with a 63.6% “No”. Conversely, housewives (12.3% of the total) represent a stronghold for the “Yes” (57.4%), but with a significant disinterest in the polls (abstention at 53.6%). In the working world, professional leaders — entrepreneurs, freelancers, and executives — vote solidly for the “No” (57.2%) and participate at a high rate (abstention 29.4%). Similarly, employees and teachers favor the “No” (53.5%) with contained abstention (36%). Self-employed workers align with the majority rejection (53.9% “No”). The only segment of active individuals favoring the “Yes” is the working class and similar, which chooses it, albeit narrowly, with 50.4%. The retirees, a demographic cornerstone of the country (26.7% of the total), reject the measure with a 57% “No”.

Inactive individuals (unemployed and NEET) follow the national trend in favor of the “No” (54%), but stand out for an abstention that exceeds half of those entitled to vote (50.9%).

Furthermore, there has been a clear polarization of the vote: those identifying as Left voted No at 94.2%, while those politically identifying as Right voted Yes at 93.3%.

The “No” was driven by the strong mobilization of intellectual and professional elites, white-collar workers, and new student generations. The “Yes” found support among 50-64 year-olds, in lower education levels, in the working class, and among housewives. A sociological snapshot that reflects the complexity of an Italy where political options directly mirror the educational and economic fractures of the country.