Millions of Colombians will return to the polls this Sunday, May 31, to participate in the first round of the 2026 presidential elections, a key vote that will define who will succeed Gustavo Petro at the head of the country for the next four years.

The election also involves Colombians living abroad. In fact, those who reside in the United States have been able to vote for several days at consulates and positions authorized by the National Registry.

According to the Colombian electoral authority, more than 1.4 million citizens are authorized to vote outside the country in 67 nations. The United States concentrates one of the largest Colombian communities abroad.

What is being voted on this Sunday in Colombia

Colombians will elect president and vice president for the period 2026-2030. If no candidate obtains more than 50% of the valid votes, the two candidates with the most votes will advance to a second electoral round.

The presidential election comes in a context of strong political polarization and with multiple candidates competing for the vote both within Colombia and among citizens living abroad.

Among the candidates are figures from different political sectors, such as Iván Cepeda for the Historical Pact, Abelardo de la Espriella for the right, Sergio Fajardo from the center, Roy Barreras, Claudia López, Juan Carlos Pinzón and Paloma Valencia, among others. In total, 14 presidential formulas were registered with the Registry for the first round.

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How to vote from the United States

Unlike what happens within Colombia, citizens registered abroad have several days to vote.

The day for Colombians residing outside the country takes place between May 25 and 31, with hours generally established between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. depending on the city and the corresponding time zone.

To vote you need:

The authorities remember that there is no so-called “tourist vote”: citizens cannot vote at any consulate if they have not previously registered their document at that location.

Where Colombians can vote in New York

Colombians registered in the New York jurisdiction can vote in the positions authorized by the Colombian Consulate.

Voting is carried out at different authorized points in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, depending on the place where each citizen has their ID registered. The authorities recommend consulting the assigned position in advance before going to vote.

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What happens if no one wins in the first round

If no candidate exceeds the threshold necessary to win directly, Colombia will hold a second presidential round between the two candidates with the most votes.

This mechanism seeks to guarantee that the next president comes to power with a larger electoral majority.

For thousands of Colombians living in the United States, the election also represents an opportunity to influence the political course of the country from abroad, in a campaign where the migrant vote once again occupied an important place in the candidates' strategies.

Where to get information

Where to check the voting station?

Colombians living in the United States can verify their voting place on the official portal of the National Registry before going to the consulate or assigned electoral point.

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