Making your voice heard: elections in Spain

On November 29^th there will be a general election in Spain. Who is eligible to vote and if you can’t, in which elections are you able to make your opinion known?

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has taken the decision to bring forward the next Spanish general election. Now, scheduled for Sunday 29^th November, the general election was brought forward 9 months from when it was expected to be held. The right to vote in a general election in Spain is restricted to those with Spanish nationality. However EU and some non-EU citizens can vote in local elections.

Who can vote and when

EU and UK citizens who do not also hold Spanish nationality cannot vote in Spanish general elections. EU citizens living in Spain can vote in municipal and European Parliament elections, provided they meet the relevant requirements and are registered to vote. In European elections, they must choose whether to vote in Spain or their home country: they cannot vote in both. However, Spain does have bilateral agreements with some countries that enable their citizens to vote in local elections but not general elections. British citizens, along with those from Norway and Iceland, are covered by bilateral agreements and can vote to elect the local town council, provided they meet the applicable residence and electoral registration requirements.

The process

There are strict protocols surrounding the electoral campaign prior to general and local elections in Spain. The official election campaign lasts 15 days and during this time political parties can hold public meetings, distribute election literature and authorised public spaces can be used for campaigning. Electoral campaigning is prohibited on the day before polling day, known as the jornada de reflexión, and on polling day itself.

In both general and local elections, schools and other public buildings are usually used as polling stations. For the local election, one of which is coming up on Sunday May 23^rd 2027, there are two ballot boxes. One white – for the local elections and one of a contrasting colour – for the regional vote e.g. Valencia. Residents who do not have Spanish nationality are only eligible to vote in the local, municipal election when these elections are held together.

Times do vary, but as a general guide polling stations are open from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm. Each polling table is staffed by a president and two members selected by public lottery. Accredited political party representatives may also attend to monitor the process. Instead of choosing between candidates – you choose the party that you wish to vote for and collect their ‘paper’ which includes the list of candidates representing them. 

On arriving at the polling station, you need to present an accepted original identification document bearing your photograph, such as a passport and approach the desk, stating name and surname. Eligible foreign voters may also use the relevant residence or foreign identity card. Your identity will be checked along with your right to vote. You then place your chosen ballot paper inside the appropriate official envelope and deposit it in the corresponding ballot box to complete your vote. At the end of the day, votes are counted publicly at the polling station after voting closes. The results and electoral documentation are then forwarded through the official electoral procedure.

How to register your intention to vote

Do not expect your voting papers to miraculously arrive on your doorstep. If you would like to take up the right to vote then you need to make sure that you have registered your intention.

You need to be included on the padrón municipal at the local town hall and declare your intention to vote well ahead of the town election. For example, to vote in the next local elections on 23^rd May 2027 eligible non-EU nationals covered by reciprocal agreements will need to register between 1^st December 2026 and 15^th January 2027. EU citizens must express their intention to vote no later than 30^th December 2026.

For British, Norwegian and Icelandic citizens, you will also need the required authorisation to reside in Spain and must have been a legal and continuous resident for at least 3 years immediately before applying (UK), at least 3 years by polling day (Norway), or at least 5 years immediately before applying (Iceland). You can apply online using the identification method available for the procedure through the National Statistics Institute’s (INE) electronic office, or submit an INE form at the Town Hall.

Once you are registered, then you may be sent packs of information from political parties before voting day. These include details of manifestos as well as official ballot papers that you can take with you and place inside the appropriate electoral envelope before voting. Ballot papers and envelopes are also available at the polling station.

Making sure that you are eligible to vote does require a little more effort for foreign residents. However, having the opportunity to have your say in how your local town is run is an important part of feeling you belong in Spain.