Spanish citizens abroad to vote in 2026 General election

To be eligible, residents abroad must be registered with both the Consular Registration Registry and the Absentee Resident Electoral Census (CERA). Registration is required for those not already enrolled. The current electoral census for these elections closed on August 1, 2026.

Registered voters abroad will automatically receive electoral materials by mail. A first mailing, containing envelopes, certificates of registration, informational sheets, and voting instructions, was sent between October 24 and 30. A second mailing, containing the ballots themselves, will occur between November 4 and 8, though this could be delayed until November 14 if candidate lists are challenged.

Alternatively, voters may have downloaded ballot papers from the National Statistics Institute website from the date of candidate proclamation until November 7.

In-person voting will be available at embassies, consulates, or designated centers from November 21 to 26. Mail-in ballots must be sent via certified postal service to the voter’s consular office between November 3 and 24.