The truth behind the term democracy party is less dramatic than it sounds: ballots and the people who manage them often face long days and a rhythm that can swing from tedious to tense. for many who hold this kind of post, the compensation — which ranges from about 65 to 70 euros this year — is a relief that sometimes becomes a source of stress. this is especially true for those who are invested in new technologies and already comfortable with online banking.
In many towns the payment is still handed out in cash at day’s end, while in larger places some municipalities prefer to pay by check. a system that requires logging into a bank account via a local branch excludes anyone who relies mainly on online payments or who cannot access those services easily.
This was the case for a person who served at a desk in Elche and who held accounts with a reputable online-focused organization. customer service told him the only way to receive funds was to visit the nearest office, an expense that meant traveling to the city of Alicante at a cost and time burden for him.
A polling station in Alicante during the most recent election.
The situation is even tougher for customers of online-only banks that do not support checks. some neo-banks clearly state on their sites that they do not offer this form of payment, so checks are neither issued nor accepted.
“This system is increasingly used less. most people won’t see a check in their life anymore, and we should start counting on it now because it could affect only a small share today, yet in the coming years a growing number of customers will prefer digital methods,” explained antonio galardo from the Bank Users Association.
Bank of Spain data agrees with that view. the number of payments made by check fell 65% since 2012, dropping from 59 million per year to about 20 million last year. overall, checks are used more in professional settings than by individual customers.
A polling station in Benidorm.
When physical assets are involved, the collection process still carries a form of commission, depending on the account’s terms as noted by galardo. although money paid to board members and presidents comes from the central government, municipalities decide how to disburse payments. some places in the province continue to issue cash advances while others like Alicante or Elche favor checks.
No one cares about us: Digitization of bank offices hits the elderly
In many cases residents point to long-standing practice. some towns opened branches on Sundays to allow withdrawals, but as more places install automated cashier services, cash withdrawals over the weekend become harder. the result is a push to avoid keeping large cash amounts on hand, with safety concerns driving changes like eliminating bearer checks and mandating electronic transfers.
Consequently, if a check is misplaced, it can be canceled and reissued, a process that adds to the burden for those who prefer traditional methods. there have been few formal complaints, but the trend toward digitization continues and is felt most by older residents who rely on in-person banking.
Ultimately, as asufin noted, a simple workaround for many affected families is to have a trusted relative collect funds on their behalf and then transfer the money, even if that means involving a third party.