In December 2025, snap elections will be held in Extremadura after the regional government failed to pass a budget. This is the first early election in the region, and it will take place on December 21. For many residents, as well as those temporarily or permanently outside of Spain, it’s important to know how to vote by mail and remain engaged in political life.
All necessary voting documents, including ballots, were already sent to voters’ addresses at the end of November. If, for any reason, the letters did not arrive, citizens can still obtain their ballots themselves by downloading them through the official service. This is especially relevant for those not living at their registered address or temporarily staying in another country.
Procedures for residents of Spain
Residents registered in Extremadura who are unable to vote in person can apply for postal voting until December 11. To do this, visit any Correos branch or use the online service if you have a digital certificate. At the branch, you will need to present an original passport, driver’s license, or DNI—even if it has expired, as long as it is the original and not a copy. After completing the application and providing the address where you wish to receive your ballots, you simply wait for the letter to arrive and then send the completed ballot back by post. Important: once you apply for postal voting, you can no longer vote in person.
For those temporarily abroad but returning to Spain by election day, the same deadlines apply. You can apply for postal voting until December 11, and send your ballot until December 17, no later than 8:00 p.m. All mail-in ballots will be kept at Correos branches until election day, then delivered to election boards on the morning of December 21.
Voting from abroad
Spanish citizens residing abroad, whether permanently or temporarily, were required to register in advance at the consulate as non-residents and apply for voting materials. This involved completing a special form and submitting it to the consulate. However, the deadline for submitting such applications has already passed—the last day was November 22. Those who managed to complete the paperwork on time will receive ballots by mail and can vote by following the consulate’s instructions.
If the documents were not received in time, voters can take advantage of the option to download the ballots themselves. This ensures that they do not miss their chance to vote, even if there are postal delays or other issues with receiving the documents.
Procedure specifics
Important: Temporary certificates or copies of documents cannot be used to register for postal voting—only original documents with a photograph are accepted. This requirement is essential for identity verification and to prevent possible violations. Once an application for postal voting has been submitted, it is no longer possible to change the method of voting, even if circumstances change.
All mail-in ballots are delivered to election commissions free of charge to the voter. The system is designed to ensure that every vote is counted, regardless of where the citizen is located. For residents of Extremadura staying in other regions of Spain or abroad, this is the only way to exercise their voting rights if they are unable to go to the polling station in person.
Key Dates
Main deadlines for those wishing to vote by mail: you can apply until December 11, and send your ballot by December 17 (for those temporarily abroad) or by election day for everyone else. For permanent residents of other countries, registration and application closed on November 22. All other stages of the process are strictly regulated to ensure transparency and fairness in the elections.
