On July 23, 2023, general elections will be held in Spain, convened by the President of the Government Pedro Sánchez, in which the Congress of Deputies and the Senate must be elected. For the event, the participation of the board members is key and here we inform you of the way in which you will know if you have been drawn and what happens if you do not comply with this duty.
More than 37.4 million people have been summoned to the elections, according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Of these, 35.1 million reside in Spain and 2.3 million (representing 6.6%) abroad.
The Electoral Law establishes that the positions of presidents or members of a polling station are mandatory. It is important to remember that in the last municipal and regional elections, 60,576 polling stations were installed and each one had to be made up of a president and two members.
WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE BEEN DRAWN AS A BOARD MEMBER FOR THE 23J ELECTION?
The draw for the polling stations for the July 23 elections will take place between June 22 and 28, reports The Moncloa. Subsequently, the Zone Electoral Board send notifications to citizens selected at their homes within three days. “The notification period for designations will be extended until July 1. Along with the notification, the Instruction Manual for Members of the Polling Stations is delivered.“, indicated.
In previous elections they notified 545,184 people, of which only a third (181,728) had to comply with their obligation. And it is that a total of nine people (3 holders and 6 substitutes) are summoned for each polling station, as a preventive measure, but in reality this must be made up of a president and two members.
WHAT BENEFITS DO MESA MEMBERS HAVE?
The presidents and members, as well as the substitutes that are designated as titular members of the voting table, have the right to:
- Perceive a diet. It will be 70 euros.
- A reduction in your work day of five hours the day immediately following.
- Protection by the Social Security system against contingencies and situations that may arise from their participation in the elections.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT COMPLY AS A MEMBER OF THE ELECTION BOARD?
IF you were drawn by lot to be a polling station member and you do not show up on July 23 to actively participate in election day, you should know that the Electoral Law establishes harsh sanctions. “The president or the president, the members and substitutes who do not attend to carry out their duties will incur a prison sentence of 3 months to a year or a fine of 6 to 24 months”, indicates the norm.
HOW CAN I SUBMIT A JUSTIFICATION FOR NOT BEING A MESA MEMBER?
From the moment you receive your notification, you will have seven days to claim a justified and documented reason before the corresponding Zone Electoral Board that prevents you from accepting the position. The Zone Electoral Board will analyze whether to accept or reject the allegations of impediment or excuse.
The Central Electoral Board has determined the personal, family and professional causes that can be alleged not to be part of the polling stations.