The general elections to the Cortes Generales are scheduled for 29 November 2026, with 38,728,356 voters eligible to participate. This guide aims to clarify the main questions citizens may have regarding these elections.
An extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting on 5 October 2026 approved the royal decree for the dissolution of the Cortes and the call for elections to the Congress of Deputies and the Senate, which will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2026. This decree was published in the Official State Gazette on 6 October and came into effect immediately.
The electoral campaign will last for 15 days, commencing at 00:00 on 13 November and concluding at 24:00 on 27 November. The newly elected chambers will convene for their inaugural sessions on 23 December at 10:00.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, of the 38,728,356 eligible voters, 35,958,711 reside in Spain and 2,769,645 live abroad. Among those residing in Spain, 1,615,127 will be able to vote for the first time in a general election, having turned 18 since the last elections held on 23 July 2023.
What are the Cortes Generales and their election cycle?
The 1978 Constitution establishes that national sovereignty resides with the Spanish people, from whom the powers of the State (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial) emanate. The Cortes Generales consist of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate, holding legislative power. Elections to the Cortes Generales are held every four years, unless the Prime Minister calls for early dissolution.
Composition and election of deputies and senators
The Congress comprises 350 deputies. Each province is allocated a minimum of two deputies, while the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla each elect one. The remaining 248 deputies are distributed among provinces in proportion to their population. All deputies are elected through universal, free, equal, direct, and secret suffrage. Political parties present their candidates on closed and blocked lists, meaning voters select the party rather than individual candidates.
The number of senators is not fixed, with 209 senators elected through universal suffrage. In each mainland province, four senators are elected, while Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Mallorca elect three. Ceuta and Melilla elect two senators, and several smaller islands elect one each. Additionally, there are senators elected by the legislative assemblies of the autonomous communities, with one senator per community and an additional senator for every million inhabitants. Unlike the Congress, voters select individuals in the Senate elections.
Who can vote in the general elections?
All Spanish citizens aged 18 and over who are registered on the electoral roll can vote, whether residing in Spain or abroad. Voting can be done in person or by mail. Individuals convicted of a firm judicial sentence depriving them of the right to vote are ineligible. Voting is not mandatory in Spain, and no one can be coerced into revealing their vote.
Understanding the electoral roll
The electoral roll is a database containing the registration of individuals eligible to vote. It is compiled by the Electoral Census Office, part of the National Institute of Statistics. The roll used for each election is closed on the first day of the second month prior to the election date. For the elections on 29 November 2026, the roll will be closed as of 1 August 2026.
Residents in Spain can consult the electoral roll from 12 to 19 October at local councils and provincial offices of the Central Electoral Office. Voters living abroad can check their registration during the same period at consular offices.
What is the Electoral Administration?
The Electoral Administration ensures transparency and objectivity in the electoral process. It comprises various electoral boards (central, provincial, and local) and polling stations. The competent electoral boards manage candidate nominations and general counting operations.
Polling stations and their members
Polling stations oversee the voting process, ensuring its integrity and counting the votes. Each station consists of a president and two members, selected by lottery from registered voters in the electoral section. Members must be under 70 years old and literate. The lottery for the polling stations for the 29 November elections will take place between 31 October and 4 November.
Voting day details
Voting will commence at 09:00 on 29 November, with polling stations opening earlier for preparations. Voting will close at 20:00, although anyone still in line will be allowed to vote. Voters must present valid identification, such as a National Identity Document (DNI), passport, or driving licence.
Workplace rights on election day
Employees working on election day are entitled to time off to vote. The state and regional administrations will ensure that workers can take up to four hours of paid leave to exercise their voting rights.
Accessibility in the electoral process
All individuals should be able to exercise their voting rights freely and without discrimination. The government is responsible for ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities in accessing polling places and voting.
Understanding the electoral system
The electoral system in Spain converts votes into representatives using a constituency division and the D'Hondt method for distributing representatives. Valid votes are those cast in accordance with legal requirements, while blank votes are those without a marked candidate.
