Elections: the Government enabled mail voting for Argentinians abroad

The current National Executive Branch updated the Electoral Code regulations to guarantee the right to vote for Argentine citizens residing abroad. The new regulations incorporate the Single Ballot and establish procedures for those who are outside the country during this year's midterm elections.

Through Decree 239/2025, signed by President Javier Milei, the possibility of voting both in person at consular offices and by postal mail was formalized.

Implementation of the new regulations

The decree approves the update of Law No. 24,007 and its amendment, detailed in an Annex that regulates aspects such as:

• Electoral Registers
• Postal Voting Option
• Issuance of In-Person Voting

The Government highlighted that these changes aim to ensure that “citizenship is not extinguished by residing outside the borders of the national territory,” establishing a legal framework updated since 1993.

With the implementation of Article 5 bis of the law, the Single Ballot is enabled for voters abroad, who will be able to choose between voting at consulates or using the postal mail system.

Key modifications in the electoral process

The Annex of the decree establishes the following main points:

General provisions for voting abroad:

• Every Argentine citizen from the age of 16 residing abroad is recognized as a voter.
• The change of address in the DNI is mandatory, except for exceptions.
• The National Electoral Chamber administers the Register of Voters Abroad and the Special Register of the Foreign Service of the Nation.
• Voting is optional and on equal terms with residents in Argentina.
• The Government must guarantee access to suffrage.
• Those who do not change their address must justify not voting, except for those listed in the Special Register.

Register of voters abroad:

• It is permanent and organized by consular jurisdiction, electoral district, and alphabetical order.

• It is prepared by the National Electoral Chamber with data from RENAPER and consular representations.
• Voters vote according to their last address in Argentina, place of birth, or their parents' address.
• The registers are published 120 days before each election and updated up to 180 days before.
• The National Electoral Chamber defines the maximum number of voters per table.
• Officials of the Foreign Service and their families can vote even if they have not changed their address, through the Special Register.
• Diplomatic offices are responsible for displaying the registers.

Impact and financing

The implementation costs of these regulations will be covered by the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship, except in cases involving other State agencies, where a specific allocation will be established.

This advancement represents a significant change in the electoral system for Argentines abroad, guaranteeing greater facilities for exercising the right to vote in the upcoming legislative elections.