Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Chile Heads to the Polls Under First Mandatory Vote, With Runoff Likely in December

Election-day rules now permit alcohol sales despite mandatory closures for shopping centers.

Overview

  • Polling suggests Jeannette Jara leads a field of eight as right-wing contenders José Antonio Kast, Johannes Kaiser and Evelyn Matthei compete for a likely December 14 runoff spot.
  • Voting runs from 8:00 to 18:00, with Servel’s RUT-based online tool active for voters to locate their polling place.
  • Participation is compulsory for the first time nationwide, with non-voters facing fines of 0.5–1.5 UTM (about 34,000–104,000 pesos) unless legally excused; overseas voting remains voluntary.
  • Following a 2024 law change, no nationwide alcohol-sales ban applies, while malls and strip centers under single administration must stay closed from 21:00 Saturday to 06:00 Monday, and eligible workers receive a three-hour paid voting leave.
  • Chileans also elect the full 155-member Chamber of Deputies and 23 senators, with analysts and polls pointing to a strengthened right in the next Congress.