Argentines began voting at 8 a.m. this Sunday in the national primaries known as PASO (Spanish for Open, Simultaneous and Mandatory Primaries). It’s the first leg of what could be a three-part competition for the next president, counting the general elections and a possible run-off. 

Polling stations in schools and sports clubs all over the country will remain open until 6 p.m., and the first results are expected by 9 p.m. 

In addition to presidential and vice-presidential candidates, the PASO will also determine national deputy and senator candidates for every coalition. Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Entre Ríos, and Santa Cruz provinces also have primaries for governor, provincial legislators and other local authorities, while Buenos Aires city will hold primaries for mayor and city legislators. All PASO winners will compete in the October 22 general election.

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For those voting Sunday, either citizens or foreigners, voting authorities are calling for the public to be patient, since the large number of candidates and positions on the ballot could lead to long lines and delays, especially in Buenos Aires province. Head of PASO General Election Command Jorge Berredo said the sheer volume of candidates could lead to delays releasing the results of the elections.  

Voters in Buenos Aires city will have to vote twice in the same location: once with a paper ballot for national candidates, and once with an electronic one for local authorities. In addition to selecting mayoral coalition candidates, the local vote includes 30 legislators. 

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“I recommend people go to vote early,” Berredo told Télam news agency. 

Given that voting is mandatory in Argentina, national and local authorities decided all public transportation be free throughout the country on Sunday. 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 voting stations close at 6 p.m. this evening, Argentines and visitors alike are prohibited from purchasing or selling alcohol. Those who do face a prison sentence of between 15 days and six months. 

The next step after the PASO will be the October 22 general election, where all national, provincial and city offices with the possible exception of the presidency will be determined. In the case of the president, a candidate will win outright if they obtain 45% of the vote, or over 40% with a lead of ten percentage points over the runner-up. If neither of those conditions are met, a run-off is held within 30 days — this year, that’s scheduled for November 19.

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