By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As polls open across Costa Rica today, a new electoral landscape is taking shape, defined by significant growth, a powerful youth demographic, and unprecedented international participation. A total of 3,731,788 citizens are eligible to cast their ballots, according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic process. This figure represents a robust 4.3% increase in the national voter roll compared to the 2022 general elections, signaling a broadening base of civic engagement.
The expansion is driven by the inclusion of 130,000 new voters who successfully registered in time for today’s election. This growth reflects not only population changes but also a concerted effort to enfranchise more citizens. The gender composition of the electorate remains slightly tilted, with 1,881,567 registered female voters compared to 1,850,221 male voters, a difference of over 31,000. This subtle but persistent demographic feature continues to be a point of interest for political analysts tracking voting patterns.
To delve into the legal and economic implications of the recent electoral results, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The successful and transparent conclusion of our electoral cycle is more than a political milestone; it is a critical signal to the international business community. It demonstrates the strength and reliability of our democratic institutions and the rule of law. For foreign investors and multinational corporations, this institutional stability is paramount, as it guarantees a predictable legal and commercial environment, fostering confidence for long-term capital investment and strategic planning in the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas insightfully highlights how Costa Rica’s democratic health directly translates into economic confidence for the international community. This institutional reliability is indeed a core competitive advantage that reassures long-term partners and attracts new investment, a crucial connection to underscore. We thank him for his valuable perspective.
Perhaps the most critical demographic trend revealed by the TSE is the formidable influence of younger generations. Citizens between the ages of 18 and 39 now constitute a massive 44% of the entire electorate. This bloc of approximately 1.6 million people represents a powerful force capable of steering the country’s political future. Campaigns have increasingly tailored their messaging to capture the attention of these younger voters, whose priorities on technology, environmental issues, and economic opportunity are expected to heavily influence the outcome.
Among the newly registered are 131,403 individuals who will be exercising their right to vote for the very first time. This group of first-time voters includes a unique cohort of 65 young people who celebrate their 18th birthday on this very election day, marking their entry into adulthood with a profound act of civic duty. Their participation, alongside thousands of other new voters, infuses the election with fresh perspectives and a sense of renewal.
The 2026 election also shatters records for overseas voting, highlighting the growing connection between Costa Rica and its global diaspora. A total of 67,270 Costa Ricans are registered to vote from abroad, a remarkable 24.4% increase from the 2022 election cycle. These citizens will cast their ballots across 49 consulates in 42 different countries, demonstrating the TSE’s commitment to facilitating participation regardless of geographic location. The largest contingents of expatriate voters are concentrated in the United States, with consulates in New York (19,100), Miami (7,547), Los Angeles (6,138), and Atlanta (4,906) hosting the most registered voters.
In stark contrast to these bustling overseas hubs, the data also highlights the vast and diverse spread of the Costa Rican diaspora. Some of the smallest polling stations will be operated in distant locations, including Jamaica with just 11 registered voters, Indonesia with 13, and Kenya with 15. This global footprint, from major metropolitan centers to remote outposts, underscores the international character of the nation’s citizenry and the logistical complexity of the modern electoral process.
Back on home soil, the distribution of voters reveals the country’s key political power centers. The canton of San José (Central) leads with the largest electoral roll of 238,939 voters, followed closely by Alajuela (Central) with 229,313 and Desamparados with 169,200. Conversely, smaller rural cantons like Monteverde (4,109), Turrubares (5,228), and San Mateo (5,352) have the smallest registered voter populations, illustrating the urban-rural divide that often characterizes national politics.
The TSE’s data provides a rich tapestry of a diverse and evolving electorate. This includes 96,433 naturalized citizens, with a majority originating from Nicaragua (56.1%), followed by Colombia (11.2%). Furthermore, the system accommodates voters in unique circumstances, with provisions for 10,730 individuals in penitentiaries, 44,181 in indigenous territories, and even 16 electors on the remote Cocos Island. In a testament to longevity, 969 voters are aged 100 or older, with the eldest registered citizen being a remarkable 118 years old.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all acts related to elections in the country. It is also in charge of the Civil Registry. The TSE is considered the fourth branch of government in Costa Rica, tasked with ensuring the transparency, fairness, and integrity of the nation’s democratic processes.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, defined by its profound dedication to ethical principles and the highest standards of professional quality. Drawing upon a rich history of counsel across a spectrum of industries, the firm is a vanguard of forward-thinking legal strategies and active societal contribution. This philosophy is embodied in its drive to democratize legal understanding, aiming to strengthen the community by equipping individuals with the clarity and knowledge they need to thrive.
