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British Embassy clarifies rules for expats voting in local elections in Spain

I am a UK citizen living in Spain. Can I vote in Spanish elections?

The British Embassy in Spain has sent out a message clarifying what the current regulations are for expats who wish to vote in local elections in Spain.

“Lots of you have been in touch asking about your continued right to vote in local elections here in Spain,” said the Embassy communiqué, which assured that under certain circumstances, UK nationals have the “right to vote and stand in local elections in Spain”.

The right of British citizens to vote and stand as candidates in local Spanish elections is protected by the bilateral agreement between the UK and Spain. This option is available to UK nationals who have lived in Spain and been registered residents for more than 3 years.

“UK nationals can vote and stand in local elections in Spain once they have been resident for 3 years,” says the Embassy.

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

They did warn, however, that the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) may not allow people to register on the electoral roll at other times.

It is estimated that at least 300,000 British citizens are registered as residents living in Spain.

Image: British Embassy Madrid

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