DORAL, Fla. — Organizers made a last-minute push to get more than 130,000 Colombians living in South Florida to cast ballots in their home country’s presidential runoff election this weekend.
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Polls are open for early voting and Election Day across the region as Colombians choose between liberal candidate Iván Cepeda, endorsed by sitting President Gustavo Petro, and right-winger Abelardo de la Espriella, who has the backing of President Trump.
South Florida Congressman Carlos Giménez highlighted the importance of the diaspora vote, pointing to Peru as an example of expat ballots making a tangible difference — largely benefiting the conservative candidate there, often called El Tigre.
“If you don’t think your vote counts all you have to do is a look at the recent elections in Peru,” Giménez said.
What started as a nonpartisan call for Colombian voters in South Florida to exercise their rights took a turn, sounding more like a political rally favoring the pro-Trump candidate — held outside the Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections office, beneath the logo and name of Supervisor Alina Garcia.
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Weston Commissioner Fabio Andrade celebrated the attendance of a member of the Espriella campaign at the press conference. When asked whether the event amounted to an endorsement, Garcia’s office walked a careful line.
“Our office remains a-political,” a representative said. “We are here to encourage people to go out to vote, and that’s the important thing. The most important thing is for the Colombians who can vote, to please go out and vote.”
Colombia’s election has been plagued with skepticism, with the outgoing president accusing the Trump administration — without evidence — of interfering in the process.
There was also a last-minute change of polling location. Colombians in South Florida are now being asked to vote at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami instead of the consulate in Coral Gables, due to safety concerns.
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Early voting continues Saturday. Election Day is Sunday — Father’s Day
You can click here to see the list of polling locations.
