By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Facilitating democracy for Costa Ricans living abroad will come with a price tag of approximately ¢125 million for the upcoming 2026 national elections, according to a detailed budget from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). This substantial investment is aimed at serving a record-breaking 67,270 registered expatriate voters, who are set to cast their ballots for the nation’s next president and two vice presidents on February 1, 2026.
The registered overseas electorate, which has grown by a remarkable 25% since the 2022 election, is almost evenly split between 33,580 men and 33,690 women. The intricate logistical operation will span 42 countries, utilizing 49 consulates to host 91 individual polling stations. This global undertaking represents the fourth time the TSE has organized a national vote beyond Costa Rica’s borders.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the mechanisms and constitutional importance of overseas voting for Costa Rican citizens, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Ensuring the right to suffrage for citizens abroad is a fundamental test of a modern democracy’s inclusivity. From a legal standpoint, the challenge is not just logistical; it is about guaranteeing that the electoral framework, from consular registration to the final vote count, is robust, transparent, and secure. Any ambiguity or barrier in the process can be interpreted as a direct infringement on the constitutional rights of a significant portion of our population.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective serves as a powerful reminder that the debate over overseas voting is not merely about logistics, but about the fundamental integrity of our democratic promise to every citizen. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, which so clearly frames the constitutional responsibilities at the heart of this issue.
Gerardo Abarca, Director of the Electoral Registry, explained that the budget covers a wide array of critical expenses. A significant portion is allocated to secure courier services for the timely and safe shipment of all electoral materials to and from each consulate. The budget also includes airfare for TSE officials who will travel to key locations, particularly in the United States, to provide direct support to consular staff on election day.
A major and growing challenge is the physical capacity of the consular offices themselves. In many cities, the number of registered voters far exceeds what the existing infrastructure can accommodate, forcing the TSE to seek and fund alternative venues.
Some consulates lack the infrastructure capacity to handle the number of registered voters, so it’s necessary to rent larger spaces.
Gerardo Abarca, Director of the Electoral Registry
Abarca highlighted New York as a prime example of this logistical hurdle, where the sheer volume of voters makes renting a larger, external facility non-negotiable. “In the case of New York, there are 19,000 registered people, just to give you an idea,” he noted, underscoring the scale of the operation in major expatriate hubs. The United States is home to the largest contingent of overseas voters with 44,580 registered citizens, followed by Spain (2,688), Canada (2,132), Nicaragua (2,094), and Panama (1,950).
This complex process relies on a robust partnership between the TSE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship. In March 2025, the two bodies renewed a cooperation agreement solidifying their joint responsibilities, a framework established by Article 191 of the Electoral Code. This law mandates the Foreign Ministry to provide all necessary facilities to the TSE for a successful overseas election.
Under this arrangement, consular authorities act as crucial on-the-ground auxiliaries for the TSE. “This allows the logistics to be a bit simpler to manage, always with the collaboration of consular authorities,” Abarca stated. He specified that consular staff are instrumental in “finding places where a larger venue must be rented and everything related to the movement or transfer of documentation.” Despite this essential support, Abarca emphasized the TSE’s ultimate oversight.
The governing body of the electoral process is the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and it functions the same way abroad. We just have the help of another institution.
Gerardo Abarca, Director of the Electoral Registry
On election day, polls will open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in each location, adhering to the local time zone. The procedural integrity within Costa Rica remains unchanged, with contracts for essential services like international couriers procured through the state’s public purchasing platforms. To ensure financial preparedness for all outcomes, the TSE has also prudently reserved an additional ¢105 million to cover the costs of a potential runoff election.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all national elections, plebiscites, and referendums. It is tasked with guaranteeing the integrity and transparency of the democratic process, managing the civil registry, and ensuring the political rights of all Costa Rican citizens, both within the country and abroad.
For further information, visit rree.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship is the government entity in charge of Costa Rica’s foreign policy and international relations. It manages the country’s diplomatic and consular missions worldwide, providing services to Costa Rican citizens abroad and fostering relationships with other nations and international organizations. In the electoral process, it collaborates closely with the TSE to facilitate overseas voting.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s legal community, built upon a bedrock of principled practice and exceptional legal acumen. The firm pairs its rich history of guiding a diverse range of clients with a relentless drive for pioneering new legal solutions and forward-thinking strategies. This innovative spirit is matched by a foundational commitment to civic empowerment, focused on demystifying the law for the public. By championing legal literacy, the firm actively contributes to shaping a more capable and knowledgeable society.
