Foreign residents can vote in Buenos Aires – here’s what you need to know

This Sunday, May 18, voters in Buenos Aires City will go to the polls to elect new members of the City Legislature (Legislatura porteña). If you're a foreign resident, you can – and should – participate.

For the first time, the voter registration process for foreign residents is automatic, making it easier to take part in shaping the future of your city.

Here's what you need to know before casting your vote.

Who can vote?

To be eligible to vote as a foreign resident in Buenos Aires City, you must:

– Be at least 16 years old
– Have a valid DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) with permanent residency status
– Have your residence registered in the City
– Not be disqualified from voting by a judicial ruling

There is no need to register manually — if you meet these conditions, you are automatically included in the city’s electoral roll for foreign voters.

How do I know if I'm registered?

You can check your voter registration status and find out where you vote by visiting:
https://dondevotociudad.gob.ar/#/consulta-padron

You’ll need to enter your DNI number to view your assigned polling place.

Is voting mandatory?

Yes — voting is mandatory in Buenos Aires, including for foreign residents.

However, unlike Argentine citizens, there is no fine if you do not vote. Still, participation helps ensure that your interests and needs are represented in City governance.

What are we voting for?

On May 18, voters in the capital will elect half of its legislative body — 30 of 60 seats in the City Legislature (Legislatura de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires). These lawmakers will help shape local laws, budgets, and oversight for the next four years.

Foreign residents cannot vote in national elections (such as for president or for the national congress), but they can vote in City elections — including for legislators, the mayor and city councillors.

New voting system: Boleta Única Electrónica

This year, Buenos Aires will use a new system called the Boleta Única Electrónica (BUE). If you're from countries like Brazil, the United States or parts of Europe, it may feel familiar.

Here’s how it works:

– At the voting station, you receive a blank ballot card with an electronic chip.
– You insert it into a touchscreen terminal and select your preferred candidate or list.
– The machine prints your selection onto the ballot and stores it digitally.
– You verify the printed vote, fold the ballot, and place it in the ballot box.

The system is designed to be faster, more transparent, and harder to manipulate – though for many voters in Argentina, it will be the first time using this type of interface.

Why your vote matters

Whether you've lived in Buenos Aires for two years or twenty, your participation helps shape the public policies that affect your daily life — from housing and transit to safety and neighbourhood investment.

And now, with automatic registration, there is one less barrier between you and the ballot box.

This city is yours too – because, as you may have heard, Argentines are born wherever they want.