The first day of voting in Liguria was mainly characterized by bad weather, which raised concerns about a possible increase in abstention among voters. At 12:00, the turnout percentage stood at 13.06%, slightly down from the 13.92% recorded in 2020. This negative trend was also confirmed during the evening: at 7:00 pm, the number of voters was 30.6%, compared to 32.7% at the same time in the previous election, thus marking a decrease of about two points.

These data suggest that the recent controversies related to the Toti case did not have a significant impact on the turnout of Ligurian voters. The incessant rain and the political surprises related to the data thefts that also involved institutional figures contributed to making this first day of voting rather calm and devoid of noteworthy events. The two main candidates - Marco Bucci for the center-right and Andrea Orlando for the center-left - limited themselves to emphasizing the importance of each individual vote and to expressing gratitude towards those who made it possible to carry out the electoral operations despite the difficulties related to adverse weather conditions. In fact, an orange alert for widespread rain and thunderstorms remained in place over much of the region; some polling stations were transferred to areas considered at risk such as Borgio Verezzi, Quiliano, Vado and Spotorno.

The only disturbing moment of the day was the report of the disappearance of electoral material, including blank minutes, counting tables, copying pencils and a stamp intended for validation in the sections of the Municipality of Sanremo. The Prosecutor’s Office of Imperia confirmed the news to the Ansa agency; the chief prosecutor Alberto Lari declared: “I was informed by the prefect about the situation. The stamp has been replaced and we are monitoring the regularity of the voting operations”. It is not clear whether the material was stolen or if it was lost by mistake.

Marco Bucci used social media to encourage voters to actively participate in the vote: “Today and tomorrow we decide who will lead our Liguria. Voting is a fundamental manifestation of democracy and freedom; every single vote can make a difference. It is a right to exercise because everyone counts! I have already voted; do not give up on choosing your future. Happy voting Liguria!” He shared a photo of himself voting in Genoa.

On the other hand, Andrea Orlando expressed gratitude towards all those who contributed to the conduct of the vote despite the difficulties caused by the adverse weather conditions: “I want to thank all the people who made this process possible in complicated situations: the list representatives, the scrutineers, the presidents of the polling stations, the police forces and the staff of the public administrations.”

In general,