Aiexpress – Mexican citizens living in Illinois and northern Indiana are preparing to take part in a monumental presidential election, which could potentially result in Mexico’s first female president. This historic event is scheduled for June 2 and has attracted significant attention as the National Electoral Institute has allowed in-person voting at consulates in the United States, Canada, and France, resulting in a remarkable increase in voter registrations from abroad.
More than 150,000 Mexican nationals have registered to cast their ballots, bringing the spotlight on front-runners Claudia Sheinbaum of Morena, Xóchitl Gàlvez of Partido Acción Nacional (PAN), and Jorge Álvarez Máynez of Movimiento Ciudadano.
Arturo Castillo, an electoral adviser of the National Electoral Institute, emphasizes the deep connections that the Mexican community in Chicago maintains with their homeland. Reyna Torres Mendivil, Consul General of Mexico in Chicago, underscores the unprecedented enthusiasm displayed by Mexican voters, particularly fueled by the possibility of electing the first female president.
Chicago, which is home to the second-largest registered Mexican voter population in the U.S., is experiencing a notable increase in civic participation. Voting holds great significance for many Mexican immigrants like Celina Guevara as it represents a strong connection to their heritage and a way to shape the future of the country. Despite the obstacles they may face, such as undocumented status, the act of voting empowers them to have a say in matters that directly impact their homeland.
Salvador Hernandez, a Chicago resident originally from Jalisco, emphasizes the crucial role of civic participation in shaping Mexico’s future. He believes that this election goes beyond personal preferences and holds significant implications for addressing pressing issues such as violence and gender equality.
Chicago is gearing up for in-person voting at the Consulate General of Mexico, and there are ongoing initiatives to inform and mobilize the Mexican community. The consulate has extended the deadline for voter registration until February 25, providing multiple voting options such as postal, online, and in-person voting to cater to the diverse preferences of the community.
Mexicans living in the Chicago area are being encouraged to take advantage of this significant opportunity by registering to vote and actively engaging in shaping the future of Mexico.
