Colombians across South Florida joined millions of voters around the world Sunday in choosing who could lead their country for the next four years, with many casting their ballots at the Milander Center in Hialeah.
For some voters, the election marked a deeply emotional milestone.
“I feel very happy because I’ve been living 30 years in the United States,” said Renete Llo. “I’ve voted here in this country, but I have never voted for my country’s elections.”
Llo said participating in Colombia’s democratic process for the first time brought overwhelming emotions.
“I feel super emotional, shedding tears and everything, voting for a change in my country and voting for the first time,” she said.
Many voters described the process as simple and efficient despite long lines throughout the day.
“I thought it was going to be more complicated,” said voter Katherine Castiblaco. “I saw a big line, but it was super smooth.”
Preliminary results released Sunday evening showed far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella received more than 10 million votes, while Iván Cepeda, an ally of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, received over 9.6 million votes. Neither candidate secured an absolute majority, ending in a runoff election.
The second round is scheduled for June 21. Colombians living abroad who are eligible to vote can find polling locations and election information through Colombia’s consular offices.
