More than 1 million Salvadorans residing abroad are currently eligible to cast their ballots in the upcoming elections, according to new figures from El Salvador’s National Registry of Natural Persons (RNPN). A vast majority of these voters—approximately 85%—have registered their current foreign address, qualifying them to participate seamlessly through a four-step remote internet voting system between January 30 and February 28.

However, voting options depend directly on the address listed on the national identity document (DUI). Salvadorans who still hold a domestic address on their DUI will not be eligible for online voting and must instead cast an electronic ballot in person at designated voting centers established by election authorities across the United States and other host nations.

Officials attribute the address lag to citizens keeping domestic locations for legal ease or sentimental ties, but warn that it changes how votes are processed. “We must understand something crucial: residence directly impacts the voting method for our entire diaspora,” emphasized RNPN National Registrar Fernando Velasco, noting that keeping records current ensures smoother access to digital balloting.

To ensure voters can leverage the remote online system, authorities are urging the diaspora to update their information before the official deadline. “DUI renewals come with address changes, and the registration window abroad is closing; we expect a significant increase in updates ahead of the November 29 deadline,” Velasco added.