Have you been selected to serve on an electoral board on November 29?

Here's how to check and what to do if you cannot attend:

Spain will hold general elections on November 29. 

Being selected to serve on an electoral board is not voluntary. If the draw has appointed you as a presiding officer, a board member or a substitute, you are legally required to attend unless you have a valid reason that allows you to be excused.

How can you find out whether you have been selected? Will you receive a letter? What happens if you have a trip planned, an illness or family commitments that prevent you from attending? Here are the key points to help you avoid any surprises.

Electoral board members are not chosen according to registration order or through an application process. Local councils hold a public draw among voters who meet the legal requirements.

For the November 29 elections, these draws take place between October 31 and November 4. Those selected must then receive official notification within three days of the relevant draw.

Therefore, if you live in Spain and are registered to vote, you should keep an eye on your post during these days. The notification will tell you which position you have been assigned and explain the instructions you must follow.

The usual way to find out whether you have been appointed is to wait for the official notification to arrive at your home address. Alternatively, you can check your notifications througharpeta Ciudadanahttps://carpetaciudadana.gob.es/carpeta/mcc/home) by following this link and signing in with Cl\@ve Móvil, a permanent Cl\@ve account or your electronic national ID (DNIe).

It is also important not to confuse two different checks: knowing which polling station you are assigned to does not mean you have been selected to serve on its electoral board. The

If you need to check where you have to vote, use the INE's

Each electoral board has three positions: one presiding officer and two members. Substitute members are also appointed to cover any justified absences.

Selection is made from among registered voters in the relevant electoral district who can read and write and are under 70 years of age. Those who have reached 65 may request to be excused within the established deadline.

One important detail: being appointed as a substitute does not mean you can decide freely whether to attend. You must also report at 8:00 a.m. and remain available in case you are needed to replace a full member.

Electoral law provides for certain circumstances in which a person may be excused from serving on an electoral board. However, simply having another commitment or notifying the authorities that you will not attend is not enough.

You must submit a formal request to the relevant Area Electoral Board. You have seven days from receiving the notification to explain your circumstances and provide supporting documents

Circumstances that may justify an exemption include certain health problems, disabilities, pregnancy, caring responsibilities and specific professional or family obligations recognised by law.

Exceptional personal circumstances may also be considered. For example, having booked a trip before learning that you had been selected may be relevant, but it does not automatically guarantee that your request will be accepted.

The key is to provide evidence of your reason and submit the necessary documents within the deadline.

Do not simply fail to attend because you have submitted an appeal. You must wait until you are officially informed that you have been excused.

Ignoring your appointment can have serious consequences. Serving as a member of an electoral board is a legal duty, and failing to attend without a valid reason may constitute an electoral offence.

Spain's General Electoral Law provides for prison sentences of three months to one year or fines ranging from six to 24 months for those who unjustifiably fail to fulfil their duties as electoral board members.

Therefore, if you have a problem that prevents you from attending on November 29, the safest course of action is to submit your request through the official channels rather than leave it until election day.

How much are you paid for serving on an electoral board?

Serving on an electoral board means dedicating practically the entire day to the election. In return, members who actually perform their duties receive an allowance.

They are also covered by Social Security while carrying out their duties. Employees are additionally entitled to a five-hour reduction in their working day on the day immediately following the election.

If you receive a notification, read it carefully and check which position you have been assigned. If you have a valid reason that prevents you from fulfilling this obligation, do not leave it until election day: submit your request as soon as possible and wait for the official decision.