Mallorca election duty: Spain draws 549,297 names

Mallorca, Spain: councils begin public draws on Saturday, 31 October, to select some of the 549,297 people due to be called up nationwide for election duty. They will staff 61,033 polling stations for the 29 November general election. Councils have until 4 November to complete the draws.

Nine names for each polling station

Each station needs a presiding officer and two other members, plus two reserves for each post. All nine must report to their polling station at 8am on election day, including the reserves. Those selected should receive a notice and an instruction manual within three days of their draw.

The draw includes people on the electoral register for the area who can read and write and are under 70. Anyone aged 65 or over can decline within seven days. Election candidates are excluded.

A booked holiday may count as an excuse

Election duty is compulsory, but anyone selected has seven days after receiving their notice to give a reason they cannot serve. A trip or holiday booked before the election was called may qualify if cancelling it would cause financial loss or serious disruption. They must provide evidence, and the local electoral board makes the decision.

Failing to turn up or leaving the post without a valid reason can mean prison or a fine under electoral law. Those who serve receive 75 euros for overseeing the vote and count. Employees and civil servants also get a paid day off if election day is a working day, and a five-hour reduction in working time the following day.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com