By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The political engagement of Costa Ricans living abroad has reached an unprecedented high, with a record-breaking 67,270 citizens registered to cast their ballots from overseas in the upcoming presidential election on February 1, 2026. This figure represents a substantial increase of 16,437 voters compared to the 2022 election, underscoring a powerful and growing trend of diaspora participation in the nation’s democratic process.
This will be the fourth time in Costa Rican history that citizens residing abroad can vote for president and vice presidents. The program, administered by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), has seen exponential growth since its inception. What began with 12,654 overseas voters in the 2014 election more than doubled to 31,869 in 2018. The number continued its steep climb to 50,833 in 2022, and the latest figures for 2026 confirm that the trend of a more connected and politically active expatriate community is accelerating.
To shed light on the legal framework and practical challenges facing expatriate voters, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The right to vote from abroad is a cornerstone of modern citizenship, but it is not automatic. The legal onus rests squarely on the expatriate to be proactive. They must meticulously follow consular registration procedures, meet strict deadlines, and navigate the specific electoral laws of their home country, which can vary significantly. Failing to understand these nuances is the most common reason a citizen’s overseas ballot is ultimately disqualified.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s commentary serves as a crucial reminder that civic participation from abroad is an act of diligence, not just of right. His clarification on the legal onus placed upon the individual is an invaluable perspective for any expatriate seeking to make their voice heard. We thank him for so clearly outlining the proactive steps necessary to ensure a vote from overseas is successfully counted.
The demographic data for the overseas electorate reveals a near-perfect gender balance. According to the TSE, 33,690 women and 33,580 men are registered to vote from abroad, a statistical parity that reflects the diverse makeup of the Costa Rican diaspora. This balance is also seen in the total national electoral roll, which comprises 3,731,788 citizens, with a slight majority of women (1,881,567) over men (1,850,221).
Geographically, the concentration of Costa Rican voters abroad is overwhelmingly centered in North America. The United States is home to the vast majority, with 44,580 registered voters. Following at a significant distance are Spain with 2,688, Canada with 2,132, Nicaragua with 2,094, and Panama with 1,950. Mexico also hosts a notable community of 1,742 registered voters, highlighting the importance of regional and transatlantic ties.
An even more granular look at the data shows that specific consular districts in the United States serve as major hubs for the expatriate community. The consulate in New York leads with a massive 19,100 registered electors. Following are Miami with 7,547, Los Angeles with 6,138, and Atlanta with 4,906. These four consulates alone account for more than half of all registered voters outside of Costa Rica, making them critical locations for election day operations.
The global reach of Costa Rica’s democratic exercise is extensive, with the TSE preparing 91 polling stations across 49 consulates in 42 different countries. While North American consulates see the highest traffic, the system accommodates even the smallest pockets of the diaspora. Consulates in Jamaica (11 voters), Indonesia (13), Kenya (15), Turkey (19), and India (23) will also facilitate voting, ensuring that every registered citizen has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their location.
To accommodate this global effort, the TSE has established a standardized 10-hour voting window for all overseas locations. Polling stations will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. according to the local time of each consulate. This logistical framework spans the Americas, which hosts 20 consulates, Europe with 11, and Asia with nine. The continents of Oceania and Africa will each have one consulate enabled for voting, completing a truly worldwide electoral map.
The surge in expat participation is part of a broader expansion of the national electorate. The total number of registered voters for the 2026 election has grown by 4.3%, or 160,981 citizens, since the 2022 contest. As the number of overseas Costa Ricans continues to grow, their collective voice is becoming an increasingly significant factor in the nation’s political landscape, compelling future presidential candidates to consider their platforms’ appeal well beyond the country’s borders.
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 supervising all national, municipal, and referendum elections. Established as the fourth branch of government, it holds ultimate authority in electoral matters, ensuring the integrity, transparency, and fairness of the democratic process. Its duties include maintaining the civil registry, managing the voter roll, and officially declaring election results.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and the persistent pursuit of excellence. The firm marries a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently pioneering innovative legal strategies. Central to its identity is a profound civic commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to equip society with vital legal understanding and foster a more capable and confident public.
