PHOENIX — For the first time in history, Arizonans with Mexican citizenship will get to vote in Mexico’s presidential election.
Phoenix is one of 23 cities allowed to host elections carried out by Mexico’s National Electoral Institute.
Jonathan Soto, a political analyst, said the election is distinct from others because voters will likely elect the first female president.
The two front runners for the presidency are Claudia Sheinbaum, who is part of the country’s reigning party and Xóchitl Gálvez.
“There is a significant difference, one swings to the current party, and then one that tends to be relatively more conservative,” Soto said. “Both candidates have an interest of growing the economy for Mexico, they have an interest in addressing the issue at their own border and also addressing the relationship with the United States.”
Soto said that although Arizonans should not see any drastic changes, the elections are important because of the relationship between Mexico and the state.
“We have differences in terms of public policy, [and] how we see the immigration crisis at our border, but when it comes to trade, it is a very important part of what our country is,” Soto emphasized. “ Especially here in Arizona. There are billions of dollars of commerce, trade, people, millions of individuals, that come across our border yearly, and they contribute a lot to our state.”
Elisa Salazar, who plans to vote on Sunday, said she was excited to see two women as the frontrunners and said she hoped whoever wins works to reduce crime.
“We are in a Mexico where crime and disappearances and everything is unfortunately too high,” Salazar said.
Abel Hoyos, who voted by mail, said he voted because it is a civic responsibility and said living so close to the border, he’s heard the concerns of people living in Mexico.
“If you live in Arizona, in five hours, three hours, you are in Mexico, you go and visit your families, and you feel their problems,” Hoyos said. “You know their problems and you discuss their struggles with them based on the presidency under which they are living right now.”
Hoyos also said voter’s ability to elect Mexico’s first female president is setting a precedence.
“Not even in U.S. have we ever, ever had a female president,” Hoyos said. “[Women] have exactly the same rights as anyone else and the people in Mexico is trusting into a female president. That's historic. And again, I think that is a pretty good lesson of democracy for our country [here in the] U.S.”
Voting for Mexico’s presidential elections will occur June 2 at the Mexican Consulate located at 320 East McDowell Road Suite 320 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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