Borders and Ballots in Latin America: Voting Rights for Citizens Living Abroad

• In Event: Poster Session: Comparative Politics III & Comparative Politics of Advanced Industrial Societies
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Comparative Politics III

Abstract

Most countries in Latin America allow citizens to vote in some national elections while living abroad. The majority of those countries have extended this right within the past 20-30 years, and the voting process for those living abroad is easier for some citizens and not others. Diaspora (or external) voting touches on issues of citizenship, and citizens’ rights and responsibilities, in addition to the possible impact on election outcomes. In keeping with the theme of this conference, this paper examines and compares the differences in the framing of this issue in two countries: Costa Rica and Chile. Both countries have had long (albeit different) democratic histories and both adopted external voting at a similar time. Costa Rican citizens could first vote abroad in 2014, Chilean citizens in 2017. Additionally, both countries instituted similar procedures, including requiring in-person voting at home and abroad, which complicates voting for a widespread diaspora. However, the process of extending this right for Chileans was long and politically contentious, while in Costa Rica the electoral participation of “Ticos” abroad has been encouraged and celebrated in the media.

Author

• Nancy D. Lapp, California State University, Sacramento