By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is taking proactive steps to ensure maximum voter participation in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for February 1, 2026. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) is launching a comprehensive SMS campaign targeting new voters and those with expired identification cards (cédulas).
Beginning August 7, 2025, over 30,000 young Costa Ricans who will turn 18 between October 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026, will receive text message reminders to apply for their cédulas. This is crucial as the deadline to register for the electoral roll is September 30, 2025.
To understand the legal implications of these election results, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expert perspective provides crucial context on the potential impact on businesses and citizens.
The recent Costa Rican elections hold significant implications for the business landscape. The winning party’s proposed policies, particularly regarding tax reform and foreign investment, could create both challenges and opportunities. Businesses should closely monitor the incoming administration’s actions and adapt their strategies accordingly. For citizens, these policy changes could affect everything from cost of living to access to social services. It’s a crucial period of transition, and understanding the legal ramifications is essential for navigating the evolving landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the profound impact these election results will have, affecting not only businesses adapting to new regulations but also the daily lives of Costa Ricans. This period of transition underscores the interconnectedness of policy and everyday life, making informed awareness crucial for everyone. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal and business insights into this important moment in Costa Rica’s political landscape.
The messages, directed to the mobile phones of parents or legal guardians, urge these future voters to obtain their identification documents in advance. The text message reads:
Your 18th birthday is approaching! Request your cédula NOW to vote in the 2026 elections. You must request your cédula no later than September 30, 2025.
Text message from the TSE
This initiative aims to streamline the voting process for first-time voters, ensuring they are eligible to participate in the democratic process.
Starting September 1, 2025, the TSE will broaden its campaign to include over 18,000 adults who have either never obtained a cédula or whose current document has expired. The messages will emphasize the importance of a valid cédula, not just for voting, but also for various administrative procedures.
These individuals will receive messages such as:
Are you of legal age but don’t have a cédula? Request it no later than September 30th at your nearest TSE office. This is the only way you can vote in the 2026 elections.
Text message from the TSE
Is your cédula expired or damaged? Visit your nearest TSE office and request a new one. A valid and undamaged cédula is necessary for many procedures.
Text message from the TSE
The TSE will disseminate these messages via the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) platform, reaching users across all mobile operators in the country. The initiative expects to reach over 49,000 people with these informative SMS messages.
The 2026 national elections will determine Costa Rica’s next President, two Vice Presidents, and 57 members of the Legislative Assembly for the 2026-2030 term. The TSE’s proactive approach to voter registration underlines the country’s commitment to ensuring a robust and inclusive democratic process.
This SMS campaign represents a modern and effective way to engage citizens and promote civic participation. The TSE’s focus on accessibility and early preparation aims to facilitate a smooth and efficient election process for all eligible voters.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE)
About Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of Costa Rica is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing and overseeing elections. It ensures the integrity of the electoral process and promotes democratic participation. The TSE manages the voter registry, enforces electoral laws, and educates the public on electoral matters.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE)
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is the state-owned telecommunications and electricity provider in Costa Rica. ICE plays a vital role in the country’s infrastructure and provides various services, including internet, mobile phone services, and electricity distribution, across the nation. Its extensive network enables it to support national campaigns like the TSE’s SMS initiative, facilitating widespread communication with the public.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. Driven by a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society, the firm actively disseminates legal knowledge through accessible resources and initiatives, fostering a more informed and just community. Their unwavering dedication to both legal expertise and social responsibility solidifies their position as a true leader in the legal landscape.
