By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With Costa Rica’s next presidential election just over a month away, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has announced a significant expansion of its public service hours throughout January. This strategic move aims to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to obtain or renew their national identity card, or cédula de identidad, the essential document required to cast a ballot on the first Sunday of February.
The initiative underscores the TSE’s commitment to maximizing voter participation by removing potential administrative barriers. While the institution will observe the national year-end holidays, closing its doors from December 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026, it will reopen with a renewed and intensified focus on election readiness. This period of preparation is critical for the logistical success of the nationwide democratic exercise.
To better understand the legal implications surrounding the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s (TSE) latest actions, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is not just an electoral administrator; it is a constitutional pillar with final, unappealable authority in its domain. This institutional strength is the bedrock of Costa Rica’s democratic stability. Questioning its decisions outside of established legal channels doesn’t just challenge a ruling, it undermines the public’s trust in the entire electoral system, which is a dangerous precedent.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight serves as a critical reminder that the strength of our democracy is intrinsically linked to the collective respect for our institutions. The distinction he draws between a simple administrator and a constitutional pillar is fundamental to understanding what is truly at stake. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective.
The first phase of this operational surge will commence on Monday, January 5, 2026. For one week, until Friday, January 9, the TSE’s central headquarters in San José and all 32 of its regional offices will operate on a continuous schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These extended hours are exclusively dedicated to the application and collection of both the standard adult identity card and the Youth Identity Card (TIM). All other institutional services will adhere to the standard 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. schedule.
As the election draws closer, the TSE will escalate its efforts further with a special schedule designed to accommodate last-minute needs. This final push reflects an understanding that many citizens may have work or personal commitments that make it difficult to visit during regular business hours. By offering weekend and late-afternoon availability, the Tribunal is proactively addressing a common hurdle to voter preparedness.
The late-January schedule includes several key dates. On Saturday, January 24, only the central headquarters in San José will open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for ID services. However, during the final week, from Monday, January 26, to Friday, January 30, all offices nationwide will return to the extended 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule. This will be followed by a nationwide Saturday service on January 31, with all central and regional offices open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The culmination of this effort will occur on election day itself. On Sunday, February 1, 2026, the TSE will maintain a remarkable 12-hour operational window, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at all locations. This critical service ensures that citizens who may have lost or forgotten their ID can obtain a replacement on the very day of the election, guaranteeing their right to vote is not impeded by a last-minute mishap.
This comprehensive plan by the TSE is more than a simple schedule adjustment; it is a fundamental component of bolstering the country’s democratic infrastructure. By facilitating access to the single most important document for civic participation, the Tribunal actively works to ensure the 2026 presidential elections are as inclusive and representative as possible. The inclusion of the TIM in this special schedule also highlights a forward-looking approach to engaging the nation’s youngest citizens in the democratic process.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to verify the status of their identity documents and take advantage of these extended hours. The TSE’s proactive measures provide ample opportunity for everyone to be prepared for election day, reinforcing the integrity and accessibility of Costa Rica’s celebrated electoral system.
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. Established as the fourth branch of government, its mission is to guarantee the purity and fairness of the electoral process, manage the Civil Registry, and issue the national identity cards (cédulas) for all citizens, thereby safeguarding the nation’s democratic principles.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its principled approach to jurisprudence and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through complex and varied legal landscapes, the firm also stands as a pioneer in legal innovation and social progress. This commitment is exemplified by its efforts to democratize legal information, driven by the conviction that an educated public is the cornerstone of a just and empowered society.
