On Sunday, February 4th, the eighty-four cantons of the country will elect their next local representatives through a popular vote. If you reside or work in Las Catalinas and are eligible to vote, we strongly encourage you to make your voice heard by participating in the municipal elections for the Santa Cruz canton. Elections will be held tomorrow from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Historically, the participation of Costa Ricans in municipal elections has been low, with the average participation around 30%. Guanacaste has the highest voter turnout for municipal elections in the country, and in general, rural areas seem to have more voter participation. Elections are scheduled on Sundays to accommodate most people, presumed to be free from work. Nevertheless, every employer is legally obligated to provide employees with the necessary time to vote during working hours without any salary reduction.
The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones, also known as the Supreme Elections Court (TSE), has introduced an electronic ballot box in a pilot run for this year's elections. This innovative method utilizes a touchscreen without internet connectivity and a printed ballot with an embedded chip. The electronic system aims to streamline the counting process, reduce labor at polling stations, and minimize the risks associated with improper vote management. A total of 499 electronic polls will be deployed in twenty-five cantons, including fifty-four in Guanacaste's central cantons of Nicoya, Liberia, and Santa Cruz. For a detailed guide on how to use the electronic polling stations, check out this instructional video provided by the TSE.
For those opting for traditional paper ballots, each eligible voter will receive three: one for the mayor election on white paper, another for councilors on light blue, and a third for syndicates and district councilors on pink paper.
To find out where you are eligible to vote, the TSE has several methods to check. You can phone 1020 or 800 ELECTOR, send a text message to 1020 with your cedula (national ID number) or check their website.
Municipal elections often hang in the balance due to marginal differences in voter turnout, with many abstaining from participating. Participating in the electoral process is a powerful way to ensure your voice is heard on matters directly impacting small communities, such as police, public transportation, or roads. Even if you are not yet eligible to vote, staying informed about local politics is always a wise practice. Your involvement can contribute to shaping the future of shared spaces and to foster positive change within our region.
For an in-depth understanding of municipal elections, we suggest La Voz de Guanacaste. This online news outlet has been consistently providing comprehensive coverage and valuable insights related to the municipal elections in the Guanacaste region. It is also available in English and Spanish.
The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) provides resources on its website for researching all candidates. While it is not mandatory for candidates in municipal elections to submit resumes and government plans, numerous candidates in the Santa Cruz region have done so. Make an informed decision by exploring the profiles of candidates who have taken the extra step to share their vision and plans for the community. You can also investigate on the political party’s Facebook page.
The municipal debates are also available to watch in Spanish here.
Keep in mind that leaders are frequently chosen by a small fraction of the population in each canton. If you aspire to witness positive changes in your area, one of the most effective actions you can take is to actively participate in the voting process.