By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The stage is set for the 2026 general elections as Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) today finalized the official voter registry, revealing a dynamic and growing electorate. The national electoral roll now stands at 3,731,788 citizens, an increase of 130,000 people, or 4.3%, compared to the 2022 elections. This expansion signals a shifting demographic landscape that political parties must navigate ahead of the February 1st vote.
Analysis of the newly consolidated data underscores the monumental influence of younger generations. A remarkable 44% of the entire electorate, representing approximately 1.65 million people, are between the ages of 18 and 39. This demographic bloc represents the single largest segment of voters, confirming that engaging with the concerns and aspirations of young Costa Ricans will be paramount for any successful political campaign. The influx of new energy is further highlighted by the 131,403 citizens who will be casting their ballot for the very first time, a group that includes 65 individuals who will celebrate their 18th birthday on the very day of the election.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the electoral process and its implications for the nation’s governance, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He offered his expert analysis on the legal framework governing the elections and the potential challenges ahead.
The integrity of Costa Rica’s electoral process is a cornerstone of our national stability and a key factor for international investors. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has once again demonstrated its constitutional strength, ensuring a transparent and orderly transition of power. This robust institutional framework is what distinguishes our democracy and provides the legal certainty essential for continued economic development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this crucial connection between the strength of our democratic process and the nation’s economic stability is a point well-made. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert analysis, reminding us that the integrity of our institutions is the very foundation upon which our future prosperity is built.
Beyond the nation’s borders, the voice of the Costa Rican diaspora is growing louder than ever. The number of registered voters residing abroad has surged by an impressive 24.4% since the last election cycle, reaching a total of 67,270. This significant increase points to a more engaged and politically active expatriate community. To accommodate this growth, the TSE has established a robust international voting infrastructure, with 49 consulates across 42 countries prepared to receive ballots.
The concentration of these overseas voters is heavily skewed towards the United States. The consulates in New York (19,100), Miami (7,547), Los Angeles (6,138), and Atlanta (4,906) collectively account for a substantial majority of the expatriate electorate. In stark contrast, the global spread of Costa Ricans is also visible in the smaller voter pools at consulates in places like Jamaica (11), Indonesia (13), Kenya (15), Turkey (19), and India (23), illustrating the extensive global reach of the nation’s democratic process.
Domestically, electoral power remains concentrated in the country’s most populous urban centers within the Central Valley. The canton of San José Central leads the nation with 238,939 registered voters, followed closely by Alajuela Central with 229,313. The cantons of Desamparados (169,200), Cartago Central (134,090), and San Carlos (128,298) round out the top five most influential districts. On the other end of the spectrum, the smallest electoral districts include the newly formed canton of Monteverde with just 4,109 voters, along with Turrubares, San Mateo, Dota, and Hojancha.
The 2026 voter roll also paints a picture of an increasingly diverse nation. The registry includes 96,433 naturalized citizens, a group that will play a significant role in the upcoming elections. The majority of these new Costa Ricans, 56.1%, originally hail from Nicaragua, followed by Colombia (11.2%), El Salvador (5.3%), and Venezuela (3.4%). Among this group, 10,826 individuals will be exercising their right to vote in Costa Rica for the first time.
The TSE’s comprehensive data also revealed several fascinating details about the electorate. The registry includes 969 citizens who are 100 years of age or older, with the single oldest registered voter being a remarkable 118 years old. This highlights the longevity within the population and the lifelong nature of civic participation. Demographically, women continue to represent a slight majority of the electorate, with 1,881,567 registered female voters compared to 1,850,221 men, a difference of 31,346.
In its commitment to ensuring broad democratic access, the TSE also provided figures for specific populations. The final roll confirms that 10,730 individuals in correctional facilities, 2,743 residents in long-term care homes, and 44,181 people living in indigenous territories are registered to vote. In a testament to the nation’s dedication to inclusive suffrage, the list even includes 16 registered voters on the remote and protected Cocos Island, ensuring that every citizen’s voice has the potential to be heard.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the constitutional body in Costa Rica responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all matters related to elections. As the fourth branch of government, it holds autonomous power to guarantee the integrity, transparency, and fairness of the nation’s democratic processes, including referendums and presidential, legislative, and municipal elections.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a deep-rooted foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional distinction. The firm has a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, consistently embracing forward-thinking approaches to complex legal challenges. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify the law and equip the public with essential legal understanding, thereby building a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
