Chile is holding a historic election this Sunday. This is a presidential and parliamentary election, marked by being the first presidential election in the country's history with mandatory voting and automatic registration. According to the Argentine News Agency, 15.7 million people are called to the polls. The process will define the next President, the entire Chamber of Deputies, and senators in seven regions.
Polling stations operate continuously from 08:00 to 18:00. Voting is mandatory for Chilean citizens voting within the country. Foreigners eligible to vote in Chile are not subject to a fine. The fine for those who do not vote ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 UTM (Tax Monthly Units), equivalent to approximately between 34,000 and 103,000 Chilean pesos.
To vote, only a physical national ID card (carnet) or a passport is valid. It is important to note that these documents may be expired, but for a maximum of twelve months. Driver's licenses and ID renewal receipts are not valid.
In the seven regions that elect senators (Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, Atacama, Valparaíso, Maule, La Araucanía, and Aysén), three ballots will be given (President, senator, and deputy). In the rest of the country, two ballots will be given (President and deputy). Only one preference should be marked per ballot; marking more than one will nullify the vote.
Malls and strip centers administered under the same corporate reason must remain closed by law. However, the rest of the commerce, such as supermarkets, large stores, and independent shops, can function normally.
Employers must guarantee their workers a 3-hour permit to go vote without a salary deduction.
A hot day is expected in the central zone of the country, with a clear sky and highs of 27°C to 29°C in the interior valleys. In the south (from Biobío to Los Lagos), it will be partly cloudy with temperatures of 20°C to 24°C. Authorities are calling to avoid direct sun between 11:00 and 16:00.
Public transport will be free on the Metro (subway) and on the EFE urban train services. In Santiago's Metro, you will need to validate with the Bip! card (it will cost $0). Buses (Red Movilidad) will increase their frequency by 80% during peak hours. Additionally, there will be more than 2,600 free services in rural and isolated areas.
Valid excuses for not voting are: illness (with a medical certificate), being abroad, being in a locality more than 200 km from the polling station, or having another serious impediment accredited before a judge.
