The office was held at the time of the election by Senate President Pietro Grasso in an acting capacity.

In accordance with the Italian Constitution, the election is held in the form of a secret ballot, with the Senators, the Deputies and 58 regional representatives entitled to vote.

The election is held in the Palazzo Montecitorio, home of the Chamber of Deputies, with the capacity of the assembly room expanded for the purpose.

The first three ballots require a two-thirds majority of the 1,009 voters in order to elect a President, or 673 votes.

Starting from the fourth ballot, an absolute majority is required for candidates to be elected, or 505 votes.