Barcelona will hold its next municipal elections on 23 May 2027, the fourth Sunday in May, as set out in Spain’s General Electoral System Law (LOREG). The date is fixed by law unless the law itself is changed.
The formal election process will begin with the Royal Decree of Convocation on 29 March 2027, 55 days before polling day. That step starts the electoral period and sets the timetable for campaigning and candidate registration.
All Spanish citizens on the electoral roll can vote in Barcelona’s municipal elections. European Union citizens living in the city can also vote, and Spain has reciprocity agreements with some non-EU countries that give their citizens the same right when they live in Barcelona.
Barcelona is expected to elect 43 councillors, two more than the current 41, because of population growth. Under the law, the number of councillors for each municipality is based on population. Barcelona previously had 43 councillors during the first four democratic mandates, until 1995.
The Spanish government is responsible for municipal elections, while local councils organise the practical side of polling day, including polling stations. For more Catalonia-wide political coverage, see our news page.
Catalan.News will continue to cover the 2027 municipal elections, including candidate profiles, campaign developments and the final results. Historical reporting on previous Barcelona municipal elections will also be published as the campaign develops.
