Re: Voting

EDITOR, Further to the exchange regarding Geoff Cook’s letter, I thought that the following might be of interest to your readers:

Further to the letter from your reader, Mr Geoff Cook, regarding The Portugal News’s initiative to encourage foreign residents to vote in local elections, I thought that the following information might be useful to any other readers who might face obstacles in exercising their rights to register. This only refers to voting in local elections, or Eleições Autarquicas, as to vote in national and presidential elections one has to be a Portuguese citizen, but voting in local elections is a right of many residents in Portugal. But who qualifies?

Besides Portuguese citizens, all residents from EU Member States are automatically entitled to vote in local elections and voting rights are also granted to those residents who have lived in Portugal for more than three years (2 years for Portuguese speaking countries) and who are citizens of the following countries: Brazil, Cape Verde, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Peru, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela. These countries offer reciprocal rights to Portuguese citizens in their countries, or bilateral agreements exist between them, so therefore voting rights are extended to those citizens in Portugal.

As far as UK citizens are concerned, we have heard some reports that there is a difference between those who were here before the UK left the EU and those who arrived after. There is not, any UK citizen who has been a resident in Portugal for three years can register to vote and can do so simply by going to their Junta de Freguesia with their identification (residency card) and proof of address. This begs the question as to what happens to those people whose residency documents have expired and they are still waiting for an appointment to renew them. Our understanding is that the October 15th extension applies to all legal documents, so they should still be able to register to vote, but it might help if they take proof of any applications that they have made for appointments with AIMA.

Remember that voter registration closes 60 days before the election. The date for this year’s local elections is set for Sunday 12 October, so that means that voter registration will close on 13 August.

Additionally, did you know that once a foreign citizen has been resident in Portugal for five years they can also stand for election in local governments? In fact there have been a number of foreigners in various Câmaras over the years that have done exactly that. In some instances their involvement has been sought by the Câmara presidents as a direct result of the number of foreigners who are registered to vote in their conselho, so registering can definitely raise awareness of the foreign resident community in your area. People from other backgrounds can bring new insights and experience which can benefit everyone and some presidents have understood and embraced that fact over the years.

I hope that this information is useful to your readers and congratulations to The Portugal News for your campaign to encourage residents to vote. We have the same advice for afpop Members every four years and support your efforts to raise awareness of this right of residency in Portugal.

Michael R Reeve

Chief Executive Officer/Diretor Executivo

afpop - Portugal’s largest Foreign Residents’ Association.

Re: New rules (and fines) begin in Algarve tourist hotspot

Editor, I have to disagree with “Teresa” (letters 5 July) and her comments regarding the wearing of swimwear in public areas being acceptable. The terms “Swimwear” and “Beachwear” are self-descriptive - they are to wear whilst swimming or on the beach, so why should it be acceptable for only these items to be worn in and around the inland streets?

This demonstrates a lack of respect for themselves and others. Fining abusive behaviour is the perfect way of educating offenders - keep doing it and it will cost you more; behave like normal human beings and have respect for other people around you and in particular residents of the country and you will be welcomed.

Albufeira was once a pleasant family-friendly resort but it has been taken over by stag and hen parties who seem to have a desire to get drunk as quickly as possible and offend as many people as possible, so families now avoid the town and it is high time that the authorities did something about it.

Bar owners have to bear some of the responsibility for continuing to serve clients who are clearly intoxicated and/or aggressive, but they just look at the money.

David Fraser, By email

A thought for the animals please

EDITOR, As I travel through the beautiful Algarve on the little train, I’m struck by the stunning scenery - but also by quiet concern. In the summer heat, I’ve seen animals; horses and donkeys (often tethered to a pole), sheep, and goats standing in open fields without shade or water. With rising temperatures, it’s especially important to remember the needs of all creatures.

Dogs, too, often suffer in silence. Some are left on balconies or in backyards without relief from the sun. Others are walked on hot pavements that can burn their paws or carried in ways that trap heat against their bodies.

Cats are often overlooked, perhaps because people assume they can fend for themselves. But in high heat, they need fresh water, food, and shelter just like any other animal. Stray or outdoor cats especially benefit from a shaded spot and regular care.

A little extra thought can make a big difference. Leaving bowls of clean water in gardens, parks, balconies, or countryside corners can help many animals. Birds, especially young ones, struggle in the heat - and you may be moved by how many come to drink.

Even insects need moisture to survive. Their numbers are worryingly low in some areas, though they’re vital to ecosystems and food sources for birds. A shallow dish with stones and water can help bees and other insects; a bit of food for birds or strays can go a long way too.

This isn’t about blame - it’s about awareness, kindness, and shared care. The more we gently spread the word, the more mindful we become. Let’s make Portugal not only a place of beauty, but one of compassion for all living beings.

Lyn Sutton, By email