Lorraine Williamson
Andalucia is voting today in a regional election being watched far beyond Spain’s southernmost mainland region. More than 6.8 million people are called to the polls to choose 109 members of the Andalucian parliament.
By 2.00 pm, the Andalucia election turnout had reached 37.2%, around three points higher than at the same stage in 2022.
At a glance
- Where: Andalucia, Spain’s most populous region.
- What: Regional election to choose 109 MPs.
- Turnout: 37.2% by 14:00, higher than in 2022.
- Polls close: 20:00, with results expected after 20:43.
Why this regional vote matters nationally
Regional elections in Andalucia rarely stay regional for long.
As Spain’s most populous autonomous community, Andalucia is often seen as a political test for national parties. The result will be read closely by the PP, PSOE, Vox and Sumar as they look for signs of momentum, weakness or voter fatigue.
For residents, the vote has more immediate consequences. The next regional government will shape policy on healthcare, education, housing, tourism, infrastructure, taxes and rural services.
Higher turnout raises the stakes
Turnout is one of the key signals to watch today.
A higher early turnout does not automatically favour one party. However, it suggests voters are engaged and that the result could carry a stronger political message.
Polling stations opened normally this morning. Voting continues until 8.00 pm, although the first official results will not be released until later because of delays at three polling stations.
Foreign residents watching from the sidelines
Many foreign residents in Andalucia cannot vote in regional elections unless they hold Spanish nationality.
Even so, the result still matters for international communities across the region, from the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz to inland towns and rural areas.
Regional decisions affect health services, public transport, housing pressure, tourism rules and infrastructure investment. For many expats, those issues shape daily life more directly than national politics.
The main parties under pressure
The Partido Popular enters the vote seeking to maintain its dominance in Andalucia.
The PSOE, historically powerful in the region, is hoping to recover ground. Vox is looking to strengthen its role on the right, while parties to the left of the Socialists are fighting for visibility in a fragmented political landscape.
The final result may affect not only Andalucia’s government, but also how Spain’s national parties position themselves in the months ahead.
Results expected later tonight
Polls close at 8.00 pm. First official results are expected after 8.43 pm, once delayed voting at three polling stations has been completed.
Until then, turnout figures are the main indicator available.
Tonight’s count will decide who governs Andalucia, but it may also give Spain’s political parties a clearer sense of where voters are moving.