Palencia Senate constituency

Palencia is one of the 59 constituencies in Spain's Senate, representing the province of Palencia. It elects four senators using an open list partial block voting system, where voters can choose up to three candidates. The constituency was established under the Political Reform Act 1977 and confirmed by the Spanish Constitution of 1978. Any changes to its boundaries require approval by an absolute majority in the Cortes Generales.

Voting is based on universal suffrage for all Spanish nationals aged 18 or older, except during the 1977 general election when the voting age was set at 21. In 2011, amendments introduced a system called "begged" or expat vote for Spaniards abroad, but this was abolished in 2022.

The electoral law allows parties, federations, coalitions, and groupings of electors to present candidate lists. Since 2011, parties or coalitions without prior representation in the Cortes Generales must secure signatures from at least 0.1% of electors in the constituency. The Senate has a total of 208 seats elected through open list partial block voting: voters can choose up to three candidates in four-seat constituencies, two in two or three seat constituencies, and one in single-member districts.

Electoral systems have evolved over time, with changes reflecting political reforms and constitutional provisions. The current system ensures a balance between party representation and individual candidate choice, while adhering to legal requirements for participation and eligibility.