Getting Involved Locally in Spain
Phrases for talking about why local elections, neighbourhood associations and taking part matter.
In Spain, the ayuntamiento decides a lot of everyday life: streets, parks, rubbish collection, local festivals. Residents from EU countries who are empadronados can vote in municipal elections, and many cities run presupuestos participativos where neighbours vote on projects. Asociaciones de vecinos are a long-standing way to push for change. The cards follow a conversation with a friend who convinces you that local involvement is worth it.
- 1
¿Por qué importan tanto las elecciones municipales?
Why do local elections matter so much?
- 2
Porque deciden lo que pasa en tu calle.
Because they decide what happens in your street.
- 3
¿Los extranjeros pueden votar aquí?
Can foreigners vote here?
- 4
Si estás empadronado, puedes.
If you're registered at the town hall, you can.
- 5
No creo que mi voto cambie nada.
I don't think my vote changes anything.
- 6
Muchas cosas se deciden por pocos votos.
A lot of things are decided by just a few votes.
- 7
La última vez hubo mucha abstención.
The turnout was really low last time.
- 8
No se trata solo de votar.
It's not just about voting.
- 9
Puedes participar de muchas maneras.
You can get involved in lots of ways.
- 10
Me gustaría hacer algo por el barrio.
I'd like to do something for the neighbourhood.
- 11
¿Por qué no te vienes a la próxima reunión?
Why don't you come to the next meeting?
- 12
Llevamos años pidiendo un paso de peatones.
We've been asking for a pedestrian crossing for years.
- 13
Si no nos quejamos, nadie nos va a hacer caso.
If we don't complain, nobody will listen to us.
- 14
¿Alguien está en contra?
Is anyone against it?
- 15
Deberíamos recoger firmas.
We should collect signatures.
- 16
El ayuntamiento tiene presupuestos participativos.
The council has a participatory budget.
- 17
Cualquiera puede proponer un proyecto.
Anyone can propose a project.
- 18
Me apunto para echar una mano.
I'll sign up to help.
- 19
Es nuestro barrio, así que también es cosa nuestra.
It's our neighbourhood, so it's our business too.
- 20
Me has convencido.
You've convinced me.