British Embassy explains UK voter rights for local elections in Spain

Ballot Box for Spanish Elections 2023

Polling Stations have moved. Credit: Twinsterphoto/Shutterstock.com

The British Embassy has issued an explainer on UK voter rights for local elections in Spain following a recent European Court of Justice ruling, as reported on Wednesday, August 10.

Speaking on UK voter rights in Spain’s local elections, the British Embassy stated:

“Lots of you have told us you are concerned about your continued right to vote in local elections here in Spain, following an ECJ ruling a couple of months ago and subsequent press reports, so we wanted to reiterate our earlier guidance. ”

“The ECJ judgement, which concerned a UK National resident in France, does not affect UK nationals’ right to vote and stand in local elections in Spain.”

“These are provided by the bilateral agreement between the UK and Spain, which allows UK nationals who have lived in Spain for more than 3 years to vote and stand in local elections.”

“UK nationals can vote and stand in local elections in Spain once they 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.

“Your town hall may not allow you to register on the electoral roll at other times, so don’t worry if you are not able to register at this point.”

You can find more information at gov.uk/livinginspain

The news follows the British Embassy in Spain giving an update on the current UK driving licence negotiations, as reported on Friday, July 29.


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Written by

Joshua Manning

Originally from the UK, Joshua is based on the Costa Blanca and is a web reporter for the Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

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