Citizens formed long queues at the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) offices across our country in the days leading up to the national elections. People waited to collect or renew their cédulas de identidad, the required document for voting. At the central office in San José, lines stretched hundreds of meters, with some waits exceeding two hours as voters prepared to participate.
The TSE extended operating hours to handle the rush. Regional offices opened from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays in early January, with some Saturday sessions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Today, the final day before voting, the central office in San José served people until 5 p.m., focusing solely on ID services. Election day itself saw all offices open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., matching polling hours, to allow last-minute pickups. Once at the counter, officials issued cédulas within an hour in most cases, easing concerns for those who arrived prepared.
These queues underscore our country’s strong democratic practices. Voting remains optional, yet many see it as a core responsibility tied to national pride. Over 3.7 million people qualify to vote for the president, two vice presidents, and 57 Legislative Assembly members. The TSE, an independent body, manages the process from registration to results, maintaining trust in the system.
Costa Rica’s electoral system traces back to the 1949 constitution, which followed a civil war and established stable government. Elections since then have drawn consistent participation, higher than in many nations. Voters can use cédulas expired up to one year – as long as the expiration date falls after February 1, 2025 – but only the physical version counts. The new digital ID, started in 2025, does not qualify for voting under current rules.
In communities nationwide, families pass down the habit of voting, viewing it as a shared commitment rather than a mandate. Polling stations open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., giving ample time for turnout. Ahead of the vote, the TSE processed over 95,000 new cédulas, reflecting the push to include everyone.
