The balance of participation in the 2024 Elections showed that Saturday was the day in which the most people went to vote.
The 2024 Municipal and Regional Elections are now over, the Electoral Service (Servel) delivered a balance of what was voter participation during this weekend’s elections.
In a process marked by mandatory voting, the entity revealed, in its most recent update at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, October 28, that A total of 13,113,264 people went to the polls.
According to the current electoral roll, 15,450,377 people were authorized to vote, so The percentage of participation in the 2024 Elections was 84.87%.
Meanwhile, the president of the Board of Directors of the electoral body, Andres Tagle pointed out that, after the results, “We believe that the election in two days is justified.”
How was voter participation in the 2024 Elections?
- Votes validly cast: 10,785,424.
- Null votes: 1,350,306.
- White votes: 977,534.
In that sense, the day when the most voters went to vote was on Saturday, October 26 with almost 47% of the votes.
What are the regions that will have the second round and on what date?
The second round of governors, where the candidates could not obtain 40% of the votes to be elected, will be on Sunday, November 24.
The regions that will have to carry out this new process are:
- Arica and Parinacota.
- Antofagasta.
- Atacama.
- Coquimbo.
- Valparaiso.
- Metropolitan.
- O’Higgins.
- Maule.
- Biobío.
- The Araucanía.
- The Lakes.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Electoral Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to our special segment on the recent 2024 Municipal and Regional Elections. Joining us today is Dr. Elena Torres, an electoral specialist and researcher in voter behavior. Thank you for being here, Dr. Torres!
Dr. Elena Torres (ET): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this significant event.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The Electoral Service, known as Servel, reported that over 13 million people participated in the elections. What does this level of participation signify for democracy in our region?
ET: This is a noteworthy turnout, especially in the context of mandatory voting. A figure over 13 million indicates a robust engagement from the public, which is essential for a healthy democracy. It shows that citizens are exercising their right to vote and are invested in their local governance.
TNE: Saturday was highlighted as the day with the highest turnout. What factors do you believe contributed to this trend?
ET: Several factors could have influenced the Saturday surge. For one, many people may find it more convenient to vote on weekends when they don’t have work obligations. Additionally, community events and social mobilization efforts could have encouraged individuals to head to the polls. It’s also possible that the excitement around the elections led to a collective effort to ensure participation.
TNE: That’s an interesting point! Community engagement plays a significant role. Did Servel’s report mention any specific demographic trends in voter turnout?
ET: Not specifically for the demographics in this update, but generally, younger voters and urban populations tend to participate at different rates. It will be crucial to analyze future reports that may break this down further, as demographic trends can significantly impact policies and the political landscape.
TNE: Speaking of policies, how do you think this high level of participation might influence the new municipal and regional governments?
ET: High voter turnout often signals a strong mandate for elected officials. Politicians may feel pressured to address the issues that brought people out to vote—be it local infrastructure, education, or public safety. It empowers voters to hold their representatives accountable, as they have clearly demonstrated their interest and priorities through their votes.
TNE: With the elections wrapped up, what do you think the next steps should be for both the electoral bodies and the newly elected representatives?
ET: For electoral bodies like Servel, it’s essential to continue engaging with voters and addressing any complaints or logistical issues that arose during the election process. Transparency and communication will foster trust in the democratic process. As for the elected officials, they must prioritize outreach to their constituents and start engaging in dialogue about the issues that matter most to the community.
TNE: Great insights, Dr. Torres! Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts on how citizens can continue to engage in the democratic process beyond election day?
ET: Absolutely! Engagement doesn’t end with voting. Citizens should participate in town hall meetings, provide feedback on policies, and stay informed about local issues. Advocacy and community organization can also greatly enhance the effectiveness of democratic participation. It’s about being an active participant, not just during elections, but throughout the entire political cycle.
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr. Torres, for your valuable insights today. It’s vital for our viewers to understand the impact of their participation in democracy. We appreciate your time.
ET: Thank you for having me! It’s always great to discuss the importance of civic engagement.
TNE: And to our viewers, thank you for tuning in. Stay engaged, stay informed, and remember that your voice matters. Until next time!