No One Cares About Us: The Digital Push Hits the Elderly in Spain
The reality behind the phrase democracy party often hides a tougher truth: casting a vote at a polling station is rarely a dream job for anyone involved. For those who serve in these roles, long hours can stretch the day past 14, and the moment may feel tedious or stressful. The only reassurance for many who rely on this role is that the compensation is modest. The pay can range from 65 to 70 euros this year, though that amount may become a real burden for some. This situation is especially true for those who are early adopters of new technologies and already comfortable with electronic banking.
In many towns and cities, the payment is still made in cash at day’s end. In larger municipalities, however, the practice has shifted toward paying the bearer by check, a system that requires the recipient to visit the relevant branch to collect funds. This constraint excludes anyone who depends exclusively on online financial services for their transactions.
That is what happened to a member of a local desk in Elche who held accounts with a well known online operations-focused organization. Customer service explained that the only option to receive funds was to deposit them at the nearest office, which meant traveling to Alicante and incurring related costs.
A polling station in Alicante during a recent election. HECTOR RESOURCES
The difficulty is even greater for customers of banks that run entirely online. Some neo banks clearly state on their websites that they do not support this form of payment, meaning they neither issue nor accept checks.
This trend reflects a broader move away from checks. Antonio Gallardo of the Bank Users Association notes that many payments by check are becoming obsolete. He argues that the practice may only affect a small percentage now, but the number of users who prefer checks is likely to drop as digital payments grow. The shift is already evident in several markets.
Data from the Bank of Spain aligns with this forecast. The number of checks used has fallen dramatically since 2012, down about 65 percent. Annual check usage dropped from 59 million to 20 million last year, and checks tend to be used more in professional contexts than by individual consumers.
A polling station in Benidorm. David Vengeance
When it comes to individuals who rely on physical assets, collecting payments can still carry a commission depending on the terms of the account. The system remains inconsistent across municipalities. While some local authorities continue to issue advances and support in person, others like Alicante or Elche favor checks when possible.
In many cases, elderly residents point out that they have relied on a consistent payment method for years. A Sunday branch remained open in the past to allow withdrawals, but now many establishments have automated their cashier services. With cash, elderly residents must often keep a substantial amount on hand over weekends, which raises safety concerns. Some municipalities have even decided to ban bearer checks for safety reasons, requiring payments to be posted to accounts instead. If a check is lost, cancellation and reissuance remain possible, but complaints are rare and consistency is prized.
Ultimately, Asufi n notes, a simple solution for many affected families is to have a trusted relative collect the payment and hand it over, even if that means involving a third party. This workaround underscores the broader challenge of digitization for older generations and the practical impact on day to day cash handling and access to public funds.
As the wave of digitization continues to roll through bank offices, the elderly are among those most impacted. The shift away from physical cash and paper checks reduces friction for many users but also strips away familiarity and control for others. The balance between digital efficiency and inclusive access remains a pressing concern for municipalities and financial institutions alike. The debate centers on how to preserve safe, reliable access to public funds for every resident while embracing faster, technology driven payments.
Indeed, the core question is not only about payment preferences but about accessibility and dignity for older citizens. When a person cannot easily collect funds due to outdated payment methods or distant branches, the entire voting and civic participation process can feel less welcoming. The push toward online systems continues, but the path forward must accommodate those who are not yet comfortable with digital finance. The conversation is ongoing, and many communities are seeking practical policies that keep doors open for all residents while advancing modern payment practices for the future. A practical route suggested by observers in the field is to allow family members or trusted aides to assist with payments, ensuring that individuals receive their due without unnecessary hurdles.
Authorities, banks, and consumer groups are watching closely to see how these policies evolve. They agree on one point: digital payments are here to stay, and the trend will affect more than just convenience. It will shape how, when, and where payments are made, with broad implications for civic processes and daily life alike. The overall aim is clear—maintain reliable access to funds for everyone, while gradually reducing the reliance on older forms of payment that are fading from everyday use. The shift will require coordinated action from financial providers, local governments, and community organizations to ensure a smooth transition that protects the most vulnerable users.