Portugal is set to hold elections in two weeks, on May 18. In preparation, the government has released important information for voters via its social media platform X to address any uncertainties.
Key Information:
How to find your polling place?
The government has stated that voters can obtain this information within the 15 days preceding the election from their local Parish Council, Town Hall, or by visiting www.recenseamento.pt. Additionally, voters can send an SMS to the number 3838.
What are the voting hours?
Voting is scheduled to take place from 08:00 to 19:00, and it must be carried out in person. After 19:00, only voters who are already in line will be allowed to cast their votes.
What documents are needed to vote? What if you don’t have an ID?
Voters must present a form of identification or any official document bearing a current photograph, such as a passport or driver’s license.
If a voter does not have an ID, they can still vote if they have one of the documents mentioned above. Alternatively, they can have two voters attest to their identity under oath of honor or be recognized unanimously by the polling station staff.
Deslize para saber tudo sobre o processo de votação em Portugal.
Fonte: Portal do Eleitor/SGMAI🧵 1/2 pic.twitter.com/gpEkm5MwYe
— República Portuguesa (@govpt) May 4, 2025
I changed my address… where do I vote?
Typically, voters cast their ballots at the location where they are registered. However, if there is a change of residence that hasn’t been updated on the citizen card, voting should occur at the previous address.
Once the address is updated (and thus reflected on the citizen card), the voting location will be aligned with the new residence.
I turn 18 this year. Can I vote?
Individuals who turn 18 by May 18 are eligible to vote. Those whose birthdays fall after the election date are not eligible to participate.
Can I accompany someone to vote?
If a voter, such as someone who is blind, requires assistance, they may be accompanied by another voter of their choosing, as explained by DECO PROteste. The assisting person must ensure the voter’s intentions are faithfully expressed and is required to maintain absolute secrecy. The polling station must acknowledge the voter’s disability.
The polling station may also provide a Braille ballot template.
It is also noteworthy that as of yesterday, voters have the option to apply for early voting in mobility.
