Before we begin, we invite you to contact Fernanda Vargas for any inquiries regarding labor permissions related to the November 2026 general elections. You can reach her via WhatsApp or book an appointment through Calendly.

General Elections on November 29, 2026: Key Calendar for Workers and Companies

The electoral process for 2026 is governed by Royal Decree 806/2026 and the Organic Law on the General Electoral Regime (LOREG). General elections are scheduled for Sunday, November 29, and from this announcement, both employees and companies need to keep key dates in mind: from the draw for electoral tables (approximately between October 31 and November 4) to the 7-day period to file justified objections, not to mention the election campaign running from November 13 to November 27. Furthermore, the formation of the new Chambers will take place on December 23, 2026.

This detailed timeline is essential for efficiently planning work shifts and ensuring that employees’ rights are respected, avoiding issues for both workers and employers.

Paid Leave to Vote: How Many Hours Are You Entitled to Based on Your Schedule

According to Royal Decree 605/1999, salaried workers are entitled to up to 4 hours of paid leave if their working schedule overlaps with the school opening hours (from 9:00 to 20:00). The exact duration of the leave depends on how much the voting hours intersect with the worker’s normal schedule. It is important to note that this leave cannot result in any reduction in salary nor require making up the lost hours.

For those working night shifts, the right to paid leave remains valid if some or all of the shift coincides with the voting period. Companies are allowed to request a proof of vote and can organize the timing of this leave according to business necessities.

If You Are Assigned as Table President or Member: Full Day on November 29 and 5 Hours Less on Monday the 30th

Members of the electoral table play a key role in the voting process. According to Article 28 of the LOREG, table presidents and members who are either salaried workers or civil servants are entitled to a full day of paid leave on the day of the vote (provided it is not their day off) and a reduction of 5 hours in the working day on the following day, Monday, November 30.

This arrangement ensures that those directly involved in the electoral process can perform their duties without labor-related concerns, ultimately encouraging participation and civic responsibility.

Supervisors and Proxies: What Permissions Do They Have

Supervisors have the same rights as table presidents and members – a full day of paid leave on November 29 and a reduction in hours on the following day. Proxies, on the other hand, are granted paid leave only for the day of the vote, as stipulated in Article 13 of Royal Decree 605/1999. It is important to note that self-employed workers do not receive a corresponding paid leave benefit.

How to Excuse Yourself from Serving on an Electoral Table: Deadlines, Accepted Reasons, and Documentation

The electoral regulations provide several justifiable reasons for workers to be excused from serving on an electoral table. Acceptable grounds include temporary incapacity (supported by a medical certificate), pregnancy from the sixth month onward, or the direct care of children under 12 years old, among other situations such as recognized disabilities or pension for absolute incapacity.

It is critical to observe the deadlines: once the table draw has been communicated, there is a 7-day period to file a justified objection with appropriate documentation before the Electoral Board, which will issue a decision within 5 days. In cases of unforeseen incapacity, the responsible party must notify the relevant authorities at least 72 hours in advance or as soon as the issue is known.

75 Euro Daily Allowance and the Consequences of Non-Attendance (Art. 143 LOREG)

A daily allowance of 75 euros is provided for table presidents and members, as set by Order INT/650/2026. This allowance is a compensation for the responsibilities and inconveniences related to serving on the electoral table. However, failure to attend without a valid justification may lead to severe penalties, as Article 143 of the LOREG establishes sanctions ranging from 3 months to 1 year in prison or fines (with a daily rate from 2 to 400 euros as per Article 50 of the Penal Code).

What Employers Can and Cannot Demand: Certificates, Shifts, and Deductions

Employers are mandated to respect and guarantee the electoral rights of their employees. This entails accepting certificates that prove attendance at the polling station and organizing work shifts in a manner that allows for the exercise of the right to vote. Additionally, the law strictly prohibits any salary deductions for time taken off to vote.

Both employers and employees must be familiar with these regulations to ensure compliance and prevent labor disputes during the electoral process.

Special Cases: Night Shifts, the Self-Employed, Foreign Nationals, and Spaniards Living Abroad

Special circumstances require further clarification. Workers on night shifts who have any overlap with the voting period are still entitled to their paid leave. For self-employed workers, however, there is no equivalent paid leave benefit, which can present challenges.

Regarding citizenship, only Spanish nationals are eligible to vote in general elections. Foreign nationals residing in Spain, including those from within the European Union, do not have voting rights in these elections. Furthermore, Spaniards living abroad have seen changes in their voting process with the abolition of the requested vote system as per Law 12/2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most common questions:

• How many hours of paid leave are allocated? It depends on the overlap between the work schedule and the voting period, up to 4 hours in total.
• What if I work away from my designated polling station? Additional hours are provided (up to 4 hours each for obtaining the necessary certificate and for mailing the vote) to ensure your right to vote.
• What are the penalties for failing to attend an electoral table without valid justification? Article 143 of the LOREG establishes penalties ranging from imprisonment to significant fines.
• Do foreign nationals have the right to vote in general elections? No. Only Spanish citizens are permitted to vote in general elections.

This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the rights and responsibilities of both workers and companies in the electoral process, ensuring that everyone is well-prepared for the upcoming elections.

If you need personalized advice or have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Fernanda Vargas via WhatsApp or book an appointment through Calendly.