For the first time in the democratic history of Peru, the 2026 General Election could include the modality of digital votea form of voting that allows you to cast your vote from a device with internet access, such as a cell phone or computer, without having to go to a traditional voting location. This new modality is being implemented in the form of a pilot supervised by the ONPE and audited by JNEand aims to expand access to voting and reduce barriers for certain groups of voters.
What is digital voting?
Digital voting is a modality that allows Peruvian citizens to exercise their right to vote through an electronic platform, using a device with an internet connection and a secure identification system with a digital certificate of the electronic DNI. This form of voting seeks to be an alternative to traditional in-person voting, especially for citizens who are outside the country or in situations that make travel difficult on election day.
Who will be able to use digital voting in the 2026 Elections?
The ONPE has established that digital voting will be voluntary and progressive, initially applied in a pilot mode for selected groups of voters, including:
- Peruvians residing abroad.
- Members of the Armed Forces and the National Police of Peru who are outside their home on election day.
- Health personnel, firefighters and other public servants who cannot go to the physical voting location.
- Citizens with disabilities registered in the corresponding registry.
- JNE, RENIEC and ONPE staff.
How to register for digital voting in the 2026 Elections?
To participate in the digital voting modality, voters must register on the official ONPE portal, through the Digital Voting page:
The registration process was open from October 29, 2025 to December 13, 2025, and only those who completed this procedure will be able to vote digitally if the system receives the green light from the JNE. Registration is voluntary and irreversible: once registered to vote digitally, the voter will only participate in that way.
Technical requirements to exercise digital voting in the 2026 General Elections
In order to cast a digital vote, voters must meet certain basic technical requirements:
- Have an electronic National Identity Document (DNIe) with digital certificates valid until after the elections.
- Have a device with an NFC reader (in the case of mobile phones).
- Install and use the ONPE ID app to authenticate.
- Have a stable internet connection
Why is the digital voting pilot implemented in the 2026 Elections?
The initiative seeks to facilitate the exercise of the right to vote, especially for those citizens who would face difficulties in going to a physical voting center, such as Peruvians abroad or personnel deployed outside their electoral district. Likewise, the pilot will serve to evaluate the security and functionality of the electronic voting system in a real context.
The benefits and challenges of digital voting in the 2026 General Elections
Benefits
- Accessibility for citizens abroad.
- Reduction of mobility barriers.
- Modernization of the electoral system.
Challenges
- Guarantee the digital security and cybersecurity of the platform.
- Generate public trust in the digital process.
- Comply with all JNE audit criteria before approval.
