Local elections allow a wider range of people, of different nationalities, to exercise their right to vote. The registration of non-Portuguese citizens is essential. Several entities are involved in this process, such as parishes and municipal councils, as well as other entities that can act as facilitators. CNAIMs, associations and other entities can play a key role in clarifying and facilitating this process, which must be done in a timely manner.

Who can vote in local elections? Which nationalities and what are the requirements? How and when is registration carried out? These and other questions will be answered in this session in a very practical way.

The session is mainly aimed at local authorities, such as parish councils and municipal councils, but it is also of interest to all entities that contact and work with migrants in Portugal. Registration is free but mandatory. Places are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaker
Carla Luís is the coordinator of VOTEdhr - Elections, Democracy and Human Rights and a researcher at CES - Centre for Social Studies. She works in the area of Elections and Democracy with international and national institutions such as the Council of Europe, the European Union, IDEA, ODIHR/OSCE, the Carter Centre, UNDP, among others. Member of the Electoral Integrity Project, on the international advisory board. Member of the National Election Commission from 2009 to 2022. Co-author of several annotated electoral laws, among others. Professor at the Faculty of Law of the Lusíada University of Lisbon. Teaches in the areas of Electoral Observation and Electoral Justice, among others. BRIDGE certified trainer. Master's degree in Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC) and a law degree from FDUNL. PhD from the University of Coimbra, with a thesis on the UN and the impact of electoral systems.

Target audience
Anyone involved in elections, in their various aspects, at the municipal and parish level: civil servants, local elected officials, members of parties or candidacies, groups of citizen voters, as well as polling station officials and delegates, local press journalists, among others. The course is also relevant for students, researchers, and those interested in the area of democracy in general.

Distance learning: Live session using the Zoom platform.

Schedule: 29 July 2025, Tuesday, 10h00 - 11h30

Registration: free but mandatory. Limited places, to be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.