The general elections will be held next Sunday, November 29, 2026. People who cannot go to their polling station that day have the option of voting by mail, a process that is already open and has several deadlines.
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot ends on November 19, while the last day to send the ballot is November 25, according to information published by the Ministry of Interior and Correos.
How to request a mail-in ballot for the November 29 elections
Voters can request a mail-in ballot in two ways: online or in person at a Correos office. In both cases, the process must be completed before November 19. To do it online, you must go to the Correos website and complete the application.
It is necessary to identify oneself using an electronic DNI or a valid digital certificate. Those who prefer to carry out the procedure in person can go to any Correos office in Spain. In this case, they must present their original DNI, passport, or driver's license to prove their identity.
When completing the application, the voter must indicate the postal address where they want to receive the electoral documentation. They can choose their home, workplace, or a post office box. Once the request is accepted, it will not be possible to vote in person at the polling station on November 29. Therefore, it is important to be clear that you want to use this modality before submitting the application.
When the electoral documentation arrives and until what day the vote can be sent
The Electoral Census Office will begin sending the necessary documentation to vote by mail from November 9. The shipment will be made to the address indicated by each voter in their application. The package will include the ballots to elect representatives for the Congress and the Senate, the envelopes for voting, the certificate of registration in the electoral census, and a sheet with instructions.
When receiving the documentation, the voter will have to choose the ballots, put them into the corresponding envelopes, and prepare the shipment following the instructions received. Afterwards, they must go to a Post Office to send their vote by certified mail. To deliver it, they will have to identify themselves with their DNI or an equivalent valid document. The deadline to send the vote by mail is November 25, 2026. The shipment is free and must be done within the usual opening hours of the post offices.
It is important to follow the instructions and not to introduce the DNI or other identity document inside the voting envelope. If included, the vote may be considered null. If the voter cannot personally deliver the envelope, another person may do so with a signed authorization and a photocopy of their identity document, according to the procedure indicated by Correos.
How to vote by mail if you are temporarily abroad
People who are on vacation or are temporarily in another country can also request to vote by mail for the general elections on November 29, although they must follow a different procedure.
In this case, they must personally submit the application to the corresponding Spanish consulate or embassy before October 31. In addition, they must be registered in the Consular Registration Registry as non-residents. If they are not yet, they can carry out both procedures at the same time. The Electoral Census Office will begin sending the documentation from November 3. Once received, they must send the vote by certified mail before November 25. For it to be valid, the envelope must bear a postmark or other official mark proving that it was sent within the established period.
Therefore, those who wish to vote by mail in the general elections on November 29 must check which procedure applies to them and not leave the application until the last day. Respecting the dates and following the instructions is essential for their vote to be counted.
