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SALT LAKE CITY — Preparations are ramping up for El Salvador's upcoming elections — and that includes ensuring those living outside the country can participate.
Salt Lake City is one of several El Salvadoran consulates in the U.S. that are processing Salvadorans' identification documents, known as Documento Único de Identidad, ahead of the 2024 general election. The consulate is holding extended hours, every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., to ensure the 20,000 or so Salvadorans in Utah have their documents in order before the Nov. 5 deadline.
The upcoming elections will be the first time the country offers online voting for those living outside the country. Consul General Fernando Pérez said this will allow Salvadorans outside the country to "vote where you are."
It's a change from previous years when the Salvadoran diaspora was seen mainly as an economic instrument for the country.
"They were seen just as economic agents, but now their voice matters — that's why we're doing all of this and actually people are really happy," Pérez said. "It's important because it is the way that the Salvadorians here in United States, outside our country, can express that their vote counts or their vote matters, that their voice matters."
At 2.8 million, the Salvadoran diaspora is one of the largest Latino populations in the U.S. and remittances from the U.S. to Salvador reached an all time high of $760 million in December 2022. The Salt Lake City Consulate, which opened in March, was part of a push from President Nayib Bukele's administration to open more consulates to better serve those living outside El Salvador.
In order to take advantage of online voting, Salvadorans must update their ID with their U.S. address. The cost for an ID — whether Salvadorans are renewing it or requesting one for the first time — is $35. Those who turn 18 before Feb. 3 are also eligible to get an ID and vote in the elections.
Pérez said the ID processing time is fast, usually no more than an hour, and that individuals do not need an appointment.
Those getting an ID for the first time must have a birth certificate, which the government is allowing citizens to request online free of charge. Those simply renewing their IDs or updating their addresses do not need to bring any documents.
