Peruvian youth will play a decisive role in the April 12, 2026 General Elections, in which the President, Vice Presidents, Deputies, and Senators will be elected.
It is a generation that will head to the polls for the first time and drive a significant renewal of the electorate.
A total of 27,325,432 citizens are eligible to vote in the 2026 General Elections.
This group, currently aged between 18 and 22, is made up of citizens who reached the age of majority after the 2021 electoral process.
Of the total number of new voters, 1,211,841 are women and 1,253,572 are men. This figure represents 36.5% of Peru’s total young electorate (aged 18 to 29).
Where is the majority of young voters concentrated?
According to Reniec, five Peruvian regions have the largest number of new voters in a general election, as detailed below:
- Lima: 718,019
- Piura: 163,406
- La Libertad: 153,819
- Cajamarca: 122,286
- Cusco: 110,015
Nearly 300,000 people turn 18 by April 12
Reniec noted that citizens who turn 18 on or before election day, April 12, are eligible to vote, as they are included in the official electoral roll.
A total of 298,269 citizens will turn 18 by election day.
This information has been communicated by Reniec to the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), so that polling station members are properly informed on voting day and can ensure these citizens are able to exercise their right to vote without disruption.
Among the regions with the highest number of these voters are:
- Lima: 86,497
- Piura: 19,107
- La Libertad: 18,601
- Loreto: 13,211
The institution underscored that Peruvians who reach the age of majority on or before election day are eligible to exercise their right to vote.
Reniec urges young people to obtain a national ID in order to vote
In this regard, the Registry noted that citizens can apply for an adult National Identity Document (DNI) from the age of 17, allowing them to take part in electoral processes in a timely manner and fully exercise their civic rights.
It should be noted that the electoral roll for the 2026 General Elections closed on October 14, 2025.
Therefore, any subsequent update to the DNI will not be reflected in the voter list on election day; however, citizens who were already included will be able to vote without disruption.
Reniec urged young people to check the status of their DNI application and collect it in a timely manner at the corresponding office to ensure their participation in this important democratic process.
(END) RRC/MVB
Published: 3/25/2026