Registering as a resident at the Consulate is the necessary step to be included in the Electoral Census of Absent Residents, but the deadline to join the census used in the general elections of November 29 has already passed
Santo Domingo. – Spanish citizens who reside regularly in the Dominican Republic and wish to exercise their right to vote from abroad must be registered in the Electoral Census of Absent Residents, known as CERA.
For the Spanish general elections called for November 29, 2026, however, the electoral calendar establishes an important difference between those who were already on the census and those who wish to regularize their consular status now.
The Consulate General of Spain in Santo Domingo reported that people of Spanish nationality who are registered as residents in its consular district and are registered, for electoral purposes, in the CERA corresponding to these elections may participate in these elections.
The first step: register as a resident
Voter registration for Spaniards living abroad is linked to the Consular Registration Registry. Therefore, anyone who habitually resides outside of Spain must register as a resident at the consular office corresponding to their place of residence.
This registry allows consular data to be kept up to date and serves as the basis for the electoral registration of Spanish citizens residing abroad.
The procedure and documentation required for registration must be processed at the Consulate General of Spain in Santo Domingo, which serves Spanish residents in the Dominican Republic within its consular district.
The census is now closed for these elections
Although registration as a resident is still a procedure that Spanish citizens living permanently in the Dominican Republic can complete, the deadline for registering on the census used in the November 29 elections has already passed.
The Consulate General of Spain in Santo Domingo reported that the electoral register for these elections was closed on August 1, 2026.
Subsequently, between October 12 and 19, an extraordinary period was enabled to consult the census data and submit claims for exclusion, improper inclusion or changes in electoral information.
The INE (National Institute of Statistics) explains that, during an electoral process, Spanish citizens residing abroad can submit claims regarding their voter registration data. To register in the CERA (Register of Absent Voters Residing Abroad) or to change their municipality of registration, they require, among other documents, an updated certificate of registration in the Consular Register, a Spanish identity document, and the corresponding supporting documentation.
How do I know if he/she is registered?
Spaniards residing in the Dominican Republic can check if they are listed in the Electoral Census of Absent Residents (CERA) through the individual consultation enabled on the electronic headquarters of the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
The service allows you to verify your registration details and requires identification through the Cl@ve system. You can also request information at the Consulate General of Spain in Santo Domingo.
Who can still vote?
Citizens who were already registered as residents in the consular district and were listed in the CERA for these elections do not have to request a vote beforehand.
The Electoral Census Office will officially send the necessary documentation to the address listed in your registration.
Voters residing in the Dominican Republic can exercise their vote in two ways: by mail addressed to the Consular Office, until November 24, or in person, by depositing the vote in a ballot box at the Consulate General of Spain in Santo Domingo between November 21 and 26, both days included.
The Consulate is located at 1205 Independencia Avenue, in the University Zone of Santo Domingo, and the established hours for in-person voting are from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Temporary residents had a different procedure
The situation is different for Spaniards who are temporarily in the Dominican Republic, but maintain their habitual residence and electoral registration in Spain.
These citizens had to register as non-residents in the Consular Registration Register and request electoral documentation through the procedure known as ERTA.
Those who submitted their application within the deadline must subsequently send their vote by certified mail to the corresponding polling station in Spain, following the instructions received with the electoral documentation.
Sources
Information on the deadlines and methods of voting corresponds to the Consulate General of Spain in Santo Domingo, in its official communication on the elections to the Cortes Generales of November 29, 2026.
Information on the operation of the Electoral Census and the requirements for submitting claims comes from the Electoral Census Office of the National Institute of Statistics of Spain (INE).
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