> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Catalan Electoral Law Push Begins Next Week - URL: https://barna.news/catalan-electoral-law-push-begins-next/ - Published: 2026-10-24T04:43:07.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T05:46:42.000Z - Description: A citizens' initiative will start collecting signatures for a Catalan-specific electoral law, including digital voting and representation for expats. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: politics, Catalonia ## Signature Drive Launches Monday The steering committee behind a proposed Catalan electoral law will begin collecting signatures on Monday 26th October 2026, marking the formal start of a new attempt to establish a region-specific voting system. This initiative follows years of failed efforts to pass such legislation in the Catalan Parliament. The process, known as a popular legislative initiative (ILP), requires 50,000 validated signatures. For the first time, supporters can submit their endorsement digitally, a change highlighted by promoters Mireia Doménech Bonet and Antoni Montserrat during a presentation on Friday 23rd October 2026. --- ## Proposed Reforms Include Digital Voting The proposed law introduces several innovations, including electronic voting and proxy voting mechanisms. It also calls for seats in the Catalan Parliament to be allocated by *vegueries*, historical regions within Catalonia, and establishes a dedicated constituency for Catalans living abroad, estimated at 345,446 potential voters. The initiative was launched in summer 2024 by a group of six Catalans, five of whom reside overseas. They cite the current 7% turnout among expatriate voters as a key reason for reform. "The situation of overseas voting is a disaster, despite the reforms made in Congress," said Antoni Montserrat. > The world has changed a lot and we need to update ourselves. , Ismael Peña López, public governance expert ### Seat Allocation Remains Key Obstacle Catalonia remains the only autonomous community in Spain without its own electoral law, relying instead on the national framework known as the Loreg since 1980\. Previous attempts to adopt a regional law have stalled over disputes about seat allocation by constituency. Under the current system, provinces serve as constituencies, disadvantaging Barcelona due to non-proportional distribution. The new proposal projects an increase from 135 to 140 parliamentary seats, within the limit of 150 allowed by the Statute, with deputies elected per *vegueria*, including one for overseas residents. Promoters suggest this would make representation more proportional, though Barcelonès would be "somewhat disadvantaged." ### Next Steps in Parliamentary Process On Monday 26th October 2026, notaries for the ILP will be accredited in the Catalan Parliament, enabling the official start of the signature collection. The digital platform will open with a trial phase, and the campaign has until April 2027–120 working days, to gather the necessary support. Political parties have expressed general willingness to back the initiative, according to the promoters, but all acknowledge the same challenge: agreeing on constituency boundaries. Once signatures are submitted, the fate of the law will rest with parliamentary groups. ### Call for Independent Electoral Authority Professor Ismael Peña López, a public governance expert, supported the proposal at Friday’s event, arguing that Catalonia needs its own electoral authority rather than relying on Spain’s Central Electoral Board. He cited faster response times and better understanding of local context as key benefits. The proposed law could also reduce administrative costs through digital procedures and modernise electoral logistics. --- *Sources:* [*La Vanguardia*](https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20261023/11666536/parlament-valida-lunes-enesimo-intento-ley-electoral-catalana.html?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Minors, Non-Voters Gain Right to Participate in Catalonia's Policies](https://barna.news/minors-non-voters-gain-right-to/) - [Barcelona Bids to Host WorldPride 2030](https://barna.news/barcelona-bids-to-host-worldpride-2030/) - [Toni Comín Returns to Spain for MEP Seat](https://barna.news/toni-comin-returns-to-spain-for-mep-seat/) - [Catalan and Spanish Governments to Merge Citizen Service Desks](https://barna.news/catalan-and-spanish-governments-to/)