Spain's Supreme Court Upholds Voting Rights for Descendants of Naturalized Citizens

Spain's Supreme Court has rejected a request to suspend the voting rights of around **190,000** children of individuals who obtained Spanish nationality through the so-called 'Grandchildren Law'. These descendants will be able to vote in the elections scheduled for **November 29**. The decision was issued by the fourth section of the Administrative Chamber of the high court in an order notified on Monday, a public holiday in Madrid, according to Efe.

## Requests by Iustitia Europa and Vox

The precautionary measures had been requested by **Iustitia Europa** and **Vox**. The ruling includes a dissenting opinion from one of its six judges. Another judge signed a concurrent opinion: supporting the right of these 190,000 people to vote but disagreeing with parts of their colleagues' reasoning.

The distinction between parents and children lies in the court's criteria. For those naturalized under the provision of the **2022 Democratic Memory Law**, the Supreme Court had previously suspended their voting rights unless they could prove descent from exiles. This suspension does not extend to their children.

## Naturalized citizens still barred from voting

The court also dismissed arguments from various associations and individuals seeking to reconsider the suspension of voting rights for the naturalized citizens themselves. Approximately **163,000** people remain unable to vote. The prohibition continues to apply.

It is important to distinguish between the two groups. The children can vote on November 29. Their parents, naturalized via this route, currently cannot. This is a precautionary decision adopted while the merits of the case are resolved and is therefore subject to review. In any doubt regarding a specific person's electoral status, it is prudent to consult a lawyer or the competent Electoral Board.