We have hardly left some elections when we have already gotten into others. Pedro Sánchez has called elections on July 23, a date that will catch many in the middle of vacations. Thus they will become the first general elections in the democratic history of Spain to be held in the middle of summer. So far, the only elections in Spain that had been held in summer were the regional and Galician elections of 2020. We already know that, if we are not going to be near our polling station that day, we can vote early by mail. However, what happens if we have to be part of a polling station but already have a trip booked?
The notification to be a member of a polling station is done through a certified letter that is delivered by hand. Correos has the duty to attempt delivery three times and, if unsuccessful, a collection notification will be left in the mailbox. However, Not receiving the notification does not exempt you from the obligation to attend the polling station.
The draw for the polling stations takes place around one month after the official call and notifications are sent three days after. Therefore, those chosen to form a table in the next general elections should receive their notification during the last days of June and the first of July.
If we are elected to form a polling station, in any of the positions, attendance is mandatory and not showing up is a crime. However, there are reasons in instruction 6/2011, of April 28, of the regulations of the Central Electoral Board for which we can be absent justifiably, such as planned surgical interventions, pregnancies, having children under eight years of age in charge, being older of 65 years or disability, among others.
Although being on vacation is not expressly part of said list, among the assumptions that do appear as a justification for not being part of the polling station, something that can help us is contemplated: the economic damage. In other words, a trip that is already scheduled and may involve a significant loss of money, could be accepted.
In fact, according to the document: “The list of cases contained in this provision is certainly not a closed list. The competence of the Zone Electoral Boards in the matter extends, not only to the typical cases provided for in it, but to other different ones.” So, if you can justify the economic damage, you have seven days to present allegations.
Article 27.3 of the Organic Law of the General Electoral Regime establishes that within said period those summoned can present the reasons why they cannot attend. These reasons, as clarified by the agency, must be for a “justified and reasoned” cause. Excuses must be submitted to the Electoral Board of the area, whose addresses are in the Central Electoral Board website authorized by the Government.
Cover photo | chen mizrach
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