Spain expat voters choose voting town without proof

Spaniards abroad who have never lived in Spain can choose the town where their vote is counted without having to prove their connection to it. The rule applies to people on the Censo Electoral de Residentes Ausentes (CERA), Spain’s electoral register for residents abroad, the government said in Madrid on 21 September 2026.

That can include descendants of Spanish exiles who gained nationality under the Democratic Memory Law. They may register in the town with which they, or one of their ancestors, have the strongest link. A ministerial order does not require them to provide evidence for that choice.

The rules are stricter for overseas voters who previously lived in Spain. They are normally registered in their last Spanish town of residence. Anyone choosing another town must submit an explanation and documents supporting the reason, and the Electoral Census Office can refuse a request if information is missing or documents cannot be read.

Where a voter who has never lived in Spain cannot show a personal or family link, the rules allow the consular office to select a town using the information it holds. There is no set order of extra criteria or default town.

In April 2026, 82.54% of CERA voters whose last residence was in Spain registered in that same town. For 17.46%, the electoral registration town was different. The Electoral Census Office has told the Central Electoral Board that, in practice, overseas voters always choose their own registration town and consulates do not make registrations on their behalf.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com