A man fainted at a polling station in Mallorca because of the heat

One of the men who fainted at the Son Pisa school. | Miquel À. Cañellas

Andrew EdePalma23/07/2023 18:23
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By 2pm on Sunday, turnout in the Balearics for Spain's general election was up over six per cent compared with 2019. Just under 300,000 people had voted by 2pm, short of 40% of those entitled to.

Nationally, the turnout was 40.47%, up from 37.92% in 2019. After all the concerns expressed about holding an election in high summer, the upward trend suggested that there could be a record turnout.

The heat has affected voters. At two schools in Palma being used as polling stations, four people fainted. Two men at the school in Son Pisa needed assistance from an ambulance. Two women in Son Ferriol did not need an ambulance.

The absence of air-conditioning systems in schools has meant tough conditions. At the Son Pisa school, ballot boxes were taken outside onto a shaded terrace. Fans and water dispensers were distributed, but they haven't been sufficient in all cases.