Election Sunday in Mexico: A Photography Briefing

Federal elections for president of the country occur every six years (one six-year term).  And today is the day.  Voting in this part of Mexico is by paper ballot.  Signs guarantee:  Your vote is free and secret.  In Tlacolula de Matamoros the line to vote was blocks long and people were waiting patiently in the hot sun to cast their ballots.  Some held umbrellas to protect them.  Others wore wide brim hats.  Those umbrellas came in handy late afternoon when the rain began.  The line was even longer then.

 

Votes are cast in one booth, overseen by an independent federal election commission, under tents out in the open.  If I understood correctly, the election chief said the turnout was unprecedented and people could vote until 11 p.m.  We probably won’t know the winner for several days.

People here take their responsibility to vote seriously.  This year there are three candidates.  The politics of Mexico are complicated and her people are outspoken.  As an extranjero it is not my place to comment or pass judgment, only to understand.  The issues are about poverty, education, access to health care, and what tactics the federal government takes to address illegal drug trafficking to the United States where demand feeds the beast.

    

I hope the best person for the job wins!  There appeared to be extraordinary security present to ensure a safe and legal election.

4 responses to “Election Sunday in Mexico: A Photography Briefing