County government historically has been associated with rural government.

They fall under local governments.  They do not necessary fall in rural areas.  Some of the counties have been phased out and now fall into local o municipal governments.  They began during the colonial period to lighten the work of administrators.

Costa Rican citizens can vote for president and national referendums regardless of their time living abroad since Electoral Code's reform of 2010. They can't, however, vote in local elections which includes deputies and municipal authorities.