Here's an update on voting (or standing as a candidate) in Spanish local elections next May.
The latest information is from the UK Embassy's Living In Spain page:
Local elections
You can vote and stand in local elections in Spain once you have been resident for 3 years. To do so, you must:
- be registered on the municipal register where you live (padrón municipal)
- confirm your registration on the electoral roll (censo electoral), within the dates set by the electoral authorities before each election
You cannot register on the electoral roll at other times. You must re-register on the electoral roll before each local election.
To stand as a local election candidate, read Spanish organic law 5/1985 (in Spanish) or consult with your local Oficina del Censo Electoral.
Voting and standing in the local elections in May 2023
If you wish to participate in the next local elections, check you are correctly registered on the municipal register (padrón).
The Electoral Census Office (Oficina del Censo Electoral) will write to UK nationals who, according to the relevant databases, have the right to vote. They are due to send these letters at the end of November 2022.
If you receive a letter, follow the instructions to complete your registration either by post or online. If you do not receive a letter but believe you meet the requirements to vote, contact your town hall. They can inform you of the local process to follow to register on the electoral roll.
To vote in the local elections in May 2023, you must register on the electoral roll between 1 December 2022 and 15 January 2023.
