October Meeting

Dear Friends, we can now say that we are at the beginning of the period of ‘intriga’ which is the forerunner of the run-up towards local elections, which will be held at the end of May 2011.
While other parties have never called on their supporters since the last weeks of the previous election back in 2007, Ciudadanos Europeos has held regular meetings and, we hope, has managed to answer and address some of the issues raised by members.
Our next meeting of Ciudadanos Europeos de Mojácar will be at the Hotel Continental (Mojácar Playa) on Saturday 9th October at 11.00am. All welcome (tell your friends). At the meeting, we hope to discuss progress on the issue of the builders’ cranes, news and plans about the ‘polideportivo’ (the sports centre) and also the state of play of the troublesome yet important ‘circunvalación’, the Mojácar ring-road.
And, of course, some comments on the current state of the ‘intriga’ – the plans and alliances that are slowly coalescing into next year’s crop of parties.
Questions and comments will, as always, be received.
We look forward to seeing you then.
Angel Medina and Lenox Napier

How to Register on the Padrón and How to Vote

REGISTER TO VOTE AT THE NEXT LOCAL ELECTIONS BY SIGNING ONTO THE PADRÓN AND CENSO ELECTORAL.
YOUR VOTE CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE!

In the 2007 local elections, nearly 80% of the eligible expats in Mojácar did not vote because they were NOT on the ELECTORAL ROLL (or Censo Electoral).
Who should register?
Expats who spend all or much of their time in Spain may register on the Padrón and Censo Electoral, yet many still have not done so. They may wrongly assume that the Padrón is a means of vigilance by the state. However, it is simply a way for the Town Hall to count those that live in their area, with no investigation as to a person’s official status or financial affairs. The information you provide is confidential and covered by data protection laws.
What are the benefits to YOU?
• You comply with legal requirements.
• Better public services; Central Government pays the local council €170 per person on the Padrón each year
• Access to benefits and social care; people on the Padrón aged 65 and over get free municipal bus passes and other benefits.
• A reduction in taxes; registration on the Padrón could mean reductions in Property Tax, certain community charges and inheritance tax.
• Voting rights for an easier life; you need your Padrón certificate to carry out various administrative tasks, such as registering for healthcare, registering your car with Spanish number plates or enrolling children in school. Remember: NO VOTE: NO VOICE.

ARE YOU ALREADY ON THE PADRÓN?
If “yes”, you are still NOT automatically entitled to vote. To vote, you must also sign onto the Censo Electoral (or the Electoral Roll). Your right to vote in Local (or Euro) elections is enshrined in Spanish and European law. Your vote will influence the type and style of local government. Expats may be required to renew their registration on the Electoral Roll; just check!
How do I register?
You can register on both the Padrón and Censo Electoral AT THE SAME TIME. You will need to take, to the Ayuntamiento the following documents: Passport OR Residencia + your last Rates receipt (I.B.I.) OR Water / Electric bill in your name OR your Escritura OR rental contract:

Need help?
The officials will help. Instructions in English, German and French are on the back of census form.

TO BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE
on SUNDAY MAY 22nd 2011 in the LOCAL ELECTION
SIGN ON to the PADRÓN and CENSO ELECTORAL
Do it now. You may be TOO late in FEBRUARY 2011

Ciudadanos Europeos de Mojácar will shortly be announcing regular meetings to help with town hall paperwork.