Bill would let Spaniards abroad vote without first requesting it

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1. The bill would remove the 'voto rogado' (requested vote) system: Spaniards registered on the census of residents abroad would automatically receive their election materials at home, without having to request them first.
2. Voters would receive a blank ballot on which they would write their choice. This would allow election materials to be sent before candidates are officially declared, and administrations would set up websites and a free phone line to check the candidate lists.
3. The period for dropping ballots in person at consular offices would go from three to seven days, between the eighth and second days before election day.
4. Voters who cannot vote in person could mail their ballot to their consular office no later than the fifth day before the election, along with a photocopy of their passport or national ID card, or a consular registration certificate.
5. The whole procedure would be free for voters: free post office boxes would be set up and, where that is not possible, the cost of postage would be reimbursed.
6. The requirement to prove identity with a passport, national ID card or consular registration certificate would remain, and the law would take effect the day after its publication in the official state gazette.

Who it affects

• Spaniards living abroad who are registered on the census of residents absent from Spain: They would receive election materials at home and could vote in person or by mail.
• Spanish consular offices and consular sections abroad: They would have to guard the ballot boxes, stamp the envelopes and send the ballots to the electoral boards.
• Electoral boards (juntas electorales): They would receive and count the ballots of residents abroad.

Words worth knowing

Voto rogado (requested vote)

A system in which the voter must request the ballot before each election in order to receive the voting materials.

Censo de electores residentes ausentes (CERA)

The electoral roll of Spaniards living abroad.

Registro de Matrícula Consular

The registry where Spaniards residing in a foreign country are registered.

Ley Orgánica (Organic Law)

A special type of Spanish law, reserved for major matters, that requires enhanced majorities in the Congress of Deputies to pass.

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