Chilean Senate Approves Constitutional Change Limiting Foreigner Voting Rights from 2026

Chilean Senate Approves New Rules for Foreigner Voting Rights

The Chilean Senate has given its approval to a significant constitutional amendment that will change the requirements for foreign nationals to vote in the country. This reform, described by some as historic, aims to modify who is eligible to cast a ballot in national elections. The changes are set to come into effect starting in the year 2026, allowing time for implementation and public awareness.

The core of this legislative update involves increasing the criteria that foreign residents must meet to participate in Chilean elections. While specific details of the new requirements were not fully elaborated in the initial reports, the reform generally seeks to establish a stronger connection between a foreign resident's length of stay or other ties to the country and their right to vote. This aligns Chile with practices seen in many other nations where full voting rights are often reserved for citizens or long-term residents with established links to the community.

Legislative Process and Support

The approval process in the Senate was remarkably swift, with reports indicating it was "dispatched in record time." This quick passage suggests a broad consensus among lawmakers regarding the necessity or desirability of this constitutional adjustment. The reform, specifically concerning the increase in requirements for foreign voters, received unanimous support from the senators present, highlighting the widespread agreement on this particular measure within the legislative body.

This constitutional amendment represents a notable shift in Chile's electoral framework. Previously, the country had relatively inclusive policies regarding foreign residents' voting rights, often allowing those with several years of residence to participate. The new changes reflect a re-evaluation of these policies, potentially aiming to ensure that the electorate primarily consists of individuals with a deeply rooted and long-standing commitment to the nation.

What happens next

Following the Senate's approval, the constitutional amendment will proceed through the remaining steps of the legislative process. This typically involves further review and potential final approval by other legislative bodies, such as the Chamber of Deputies, if not already completed, and ultimately, promulgation by the President of Chile. Once enacted, the electoral service will need to update its regulations and procedures to reflect the new requirements, ensuring a smooth transition before the 2026 deadline. Public information campaigns would also likely be launched to inform foreign residents about the updated eligibility criteria for voting.