By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The window of opportunity for Costa Rican citizens to ensure their participation in the upcoming 2026 national elections is rapidly closing. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has issued a critical reminder that the nation’s electoral roll will be officially closed on October 1st, leaving less than a month for new voters to register and for existing voters to update their information.
In a public announcement, the electoral body emphasized the finality of this deadline. Any citizen who is not properly registered by the cut-off date will be ineligible to cast a ballot in February 2026. This administrative deadline is a cornerstone of the electoral process, enabling the TSE to prepare the definitive list of voters and ensure a smooth and organized election day.
To provide deeper insight into the legal framework and civic importance of the voter registration process, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Voter registration is the foundational act of democratic citizenship; it transforms a resident into an active participant in the nation’s governance. From a legal standpoint, a properly maintained electoral roll, overseen by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, is the ultimate guarantee of the principle of ‘one person, one vote.’ It ensures the legitimacy of the outcome and safeguards the entire democratic structure from fraud or manipulation, reinforcing the rule of law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal framework described is the very bedrock of our electoral integrity, transforming a civic duty into a guaranteed right. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive analysis on a process so fundamental to the health of our democracy.
A significant focus of the TSE’s campaign is directed at the nation’s youth, a demographic poised to have a substantial impact on the country’s political future. The Tribunal is making a special appeal to individuals who have already turned 18 or will celebrate their eighteenth birthday on or before February 1, 2026. For these potential first-time voters, the deadline to apply for their national identification card (cédula de identidad) is even sooner, on Tuesday, September 30th.
The numbers underscore the urgency of this call to action. According to data from the TSE’s Statistics Unit, as of August 31st, there are 156,054 potential new voters in this youth category. However, a concerning 36,517 of them—nearly 25% of the total—have not yet completed the essential step of applying for their ID card. Without this document, they will be disenfranchised from the democratic process.
To accommodate the expected last-minute surge in applications, the TSE has proactively extended its operating hours across the country. The main headquarters in San José and all regional offices will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays through September 30th. Furthermore, special weekend hours have been established, with the central office open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27th, and Sunday, September 28th. Regional offices will also operate on Saturday the 27th during the same hours.
The initiative also extends beyond the nation’s borders. Costa Ricans residing abroad are reminded that they can complete the registration process at authorized consulates. For all young applicants, both domestic and international, the physical ID card will be delivered once they officially reach the age of majority. The crucial step is to complete the application before the September 30th deadline.
In addition to new registrations, the TSE also reminded citizens who have recently moved to update their electoral domicile. This change of address, which determines a voter’s designated polling station, must be completed in person at any TSE office by September 30th. The service is provided at no cost to the citizen and is vital for preventing confusion and delays on election day.
As of the end of August, the national electoral roll comprises 3,723,297 individuals. The registry shows a near-even gender split, with 1,876,815 women and 1,846,482 men currently eligible to vote. The final weeks of September will determine the definitive size and composition of the electorate that will shape Costa Rica’s leadership for the next term.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the constitutional body responsible for the organization, direction, and oversight of all electoral processes in the country. As the fourth branch of government, its mission is to guarantee the integrity, transparency, and fairness of elections, thereby safeguarding the nation’s democratic principles and the political rights of its citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a highly regarded legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the cornerstones of professional integrity and exceptional client service. The firm distinguishes itself not only through a rich history of legal success but also by embracing forward-thinking approaches to modern legal challenges. This dedication to progress is mirrored in its civic mission to demystify the law, sharing vital knowledge to help construct a more just and capable society.
