Costa Rica Elections 2026: Behind the Scenes on Voting Day

The quiet of a Sunday morning in Tres Ríos de La Unión, Costa Rica, was broken before dawn on February 1, 2026, as preparations began for a national election. While most residents were still asleep, a dedicated group of citizens began the crucial work of setting up polling stations, bracing against a chilly 13-degree Celsius temperature.

A Nation Prepares

The Escuela Central de Tres Ríos was among the locations transforming from a place of learning into a temporary center of democracy. Approximately 11,000 “pilaricos” – a local term for citizens – were expected to cast their votes at this school alone. The process began with the arrival of election materials, carefully transported in “tulas” (bags), by individuals like Jara Segura, who arrived at 4:50 a.m. With the materials for voting table 3914.

The Early Hours

Jara Segura, accompanied by a family member, officially initiated the day’s work at 4:53 a.m. When she entered the school with the tula. Gustavo Ortiz Messeguer followed closely behind a minute later, carrying the materials for table 3922. The initial task involved rearranging desks to create a functional voting space, a routine that occurs every two years as schools across the country temporarily shift their focus to civic duty.

As the clock approached 5:00 a.m., more tulas arrived, representing the 19 voting tables within the Tres Ríos electoral district. Delegates like Frank Solís diligently monitored the arrival of materials, assisted by Jacqueline Serrano of the TSE (Supreme Electoral Tribunal) and the center’s administrator, all working on a voluntary basis.

A Civic Duty

Gustavo Ortiz, a first-time member of the election board, expressed a profound sense of purpose, stating, “Es de las cosas que tenia que hacer antes de morirme” – “It’s one of the things I had to do before I died.” This sentiment contrasted with the experience of Jara Segura, who efficiently prepared her voting station, having already assembled the ballot boxes, voter rolls, and privacy screens by 5:08 a.m.

Other teams, including Jackeline Serrano, Ana Mora, Viviana Torres, and Daniela Gómez at table 3415, and Xiomara Jiménez working alongside Ortiz, quickly set up their stations, constructing partitions to ensure the secrecy of the ballot. By 5:18 a.m., the school was buzzing with activity, despite the early hour.

Volunteers like Kimaura Broomfield assisted with final preparations, including counting and verifying ballots. As the sun began to rise, representatives from various political parties arrived to observe the process. At 6:00 a.m., a siren signaled the official opening of the polling center, drawing a crowd of eager voters.

The First Voters

The author recounts being among the first to vote at table 3422, experiencing a brief wait in line. Table 3422 ultimately served 463 of its 601 registered voters, representing a 77.04% turnout. The entire process, from setting up the tables to securing the materials, is a continuous effort culminating in the transport of the tulas to San José for the final vote count.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time did preparations for the election begin at Escuela Central de Tres Ríos?

Preparations began at 4:30 a.m. On February 1, 2026, with the arrival of Jara Segura carrying materials for voting table 3914.

How many voting tables were set up in the Tres Ríos electoral district?

Nineteen voting tables were set up in the Tres Ríos electoral district, all within the Escuela Central de Tres Ríos.

What is the role of volunteers in the Costa Rican electoral process?

Volunteers, including members of the mesa (voting table), delegates, and assistants, are essential to the electoral process, working ad honorem to ensure its smooth operation. Juan Luis Rivera of the TSE stated that elections would be impossible without this citizen involvement.

What does a commitment to democratic participation mean to you and your community?