Argentines began voting at 8 a.m. this Sunday in the general elections to select who will be the country’s next president. Polling stations in schools and sports clubs all over the country will remain open until 6 p.m. First results are expected by 10 p.m. 

If a presidential candidate obtains more than 45% of the votes, or at least 40% with a 10-point lead, he or she will become president-elect this Sunday. If none of this happens, the two most-voted candidates will go to a run-off on November 19.

The election will also define the makeup of Congress next year, as half of the Chamber of Deputies and a third of the Senate are set to be renewed. In addition to the national vote, citizens in Catamarca, Entre Ríos, and Buenos Aires province are also voting for governor. Buenos Aires City will also select a new mayor and local legislators. 

Out of those four districts, the BA City race is the only one that can result in a runoff —- only if none of the candidates reaches a minimum of 50% of the vote.

Given that voting is mandatory in Argentina, national and provincial authorities decided public transportation be free throughout the country on Sunday. There are some exceptions in Jujuy and Tierra del Fuego, given that public transport in those locations is run by municipal authorities and not provincial ones.

Subways in BA City began operating at 7 a.m. this Sunday, one hour earlier than usual, while buses and trains in BA province are working Saturday hours. 

The Buenos Aires Ecobici bicycle hire system, which is free Monday through Friday, is also free on Sunday. Every person has up to four 30-minute slots. To use this system, you need to register on their website or download the app.   

Due to the veda electoral (electoral ban) in effect until three hours after voting stations close at 6 p.m. this evening, Argentines and visitors alike are prohibited from purchasing or selling alcohol.