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For the upcoming 2025 presidential elections, more than 800 Chilean citizens living in òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ and across Northern England will again have the opportunity to vote locally, thanks to a successful grassroots campaign that began in òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ a few years ago. 

Since 2017, Chileans living abroad have had the right to vote in presidential elections and national referendums. However, until 2022, the only UK polling station was in London. This posed significant challenges for Chileans based in the North and Scotland, who faced long, costly journeys to exercise their democratic rights. 

In response, the Chilean Society at  The University of òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ launched a campaign in 2022 to establish a polling station in the North of England. With strong support from Chilean residents in the region, the Society made a formal case to the Chilean Electoral Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their advocacy paid off in 2023: Chilean citizens voted in the referendum for the first time, using the Students’ Union building (òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ) as a polling station. 

This grassroots initiative was recognised with the by The University of òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ Students’ Union. The award was presented by Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, in recognition of the Society’s contribution to civic engagement and democratic participation. 

During 2025, Chileans abroad will vote in three rounds: the primary election in June, the first round in November, and a potential runoff in December. The University of òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ will again serve as a polling station for the North of England. This is a result of the consistent collaboration between (lecturer in Politics and former Chair of the Chilean Society) and the to the UK. 

This year’s voting process will be supported by the , reinforcing the institution’s commitment to inclusive political participation and global citizenship.