This September, we are in the final stretch for you to register to vote in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. With a drop in eligible voters compared to previous elections, you should be aware of the upcoming key dates so you can cast your vote without any issues.
Monday, Sept. 16, is the last day to request an early vote.
Saturday, Sept. 21, is the deadline to register for the general election and to request an absentee vote.
Is this your first time voting and you're not sure how to get your voter ID card? Have you not voted in recent elections and want to confirm you're still eligible? Here is a brief informational guide to help you understand what you need to do.
First: Registration or reactivation
If this is your first election, you are considered a first-time voter and will need to submit your information to the Comisión Estatal de Elecciones (CEE), the body that oversees local elections, in order to register and participate.
Likewise, if you have not voted in two consecutive elections, you are classified as an inactive voter and will need to reactivate your credentials within the electoral system.
You would not be alone. As of the end of August, in addition to more than 90,000 young people eligible to register for the first time, Puerto Rico had around 800,000 inactive voters, representing a historic high compared to previous electoral cycles.
If you fall into one of these two categories, you have two registration options: visit one of 12 Juntas de Inscripción Permanente (JIP) or use the Registro Electrónico de Electores (eRE).
Which is my Junta de Inscripción Permanente?
Each yellow icon represents a Junta de Inscripción Permanente. (Comisión Estatal de Elecciones)
The JIP operate as local branches of the CEE, open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. They previously existed in every municipality on the Island but were consolidated into 12 regions ahead of 2024: Aguadilla, Aibonito, Arecibo, Bayamón, Caguas, Ceiba, Guayama, Humacao, Mayagüez, Ponce, San Juan and Utuado.
On weekdays, the CEE also operates Juntas de Inscripción Temporeras near electoral events in 29 additional municipalities:
Aguas Buenas, Arroyo, Barranquitas, Carolina, Corozal, Dorado, Guánica, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Jayuya, Lares, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Maunabo, Maricao, Naguabo, Orocovis, Quebradillas, Río Grande, Sabana Grande, San Germán, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Vega Alta, Villalba and Yauco.
What documents do I need to bring to the JIP?
When you visit a JIP as a first-time voter, you will need to provide personal information such as your name, age, date and municipality of birth, and address. Staff will then take your photo and print your voter ID card. The CEE still has your information on file if you are an inactive voter, so in that case you will only need to confirm your previous status and/or update your credentials.
If you were born in a U.S. territory, have your birth certificate, a passport, your ID and the last four digits of your Social Security number on hand.
How do I use the Registro Electrónico de Electores?
If you prefer not to visit a registration office or find it difficult to do so, the CEE has set up the eRE portal so you can complete your electoral paperwork entirely online. There you can verify and correct your registration, print your voter registration or request an absentee or early vote.
For new voters, registration will require the following information:
Personal information
Last four digits of your Social Security number
Proof of identity
Proof of address
Answers to two security questions
To reactivate your voter status, the eRE will link your Social Security number to your previous information as soon as you enter the "Reactivación" section.
Platea Tip: You can find more information on how to use the eRE system on the CEE's Mi Voto PR portal.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
If you are an active voter in Puerto Rico, are domiciled on the Island and will be away on November 5, you are eligible to request an absentee ballot. This includes, for example, people confined in penal institutions in the United States, international students or people who are on vacation.
To access the absentee ballot, you will need to download and fill out this form and submit it either in person at a Junta de Inscripción or through the eRE system. When validating your request, you can choose whether you prefer to receive your ballots by postal mail or email.
Remember, you have until September 21 to complete the process.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
