Phoenix is one of 23 cities authorized to host elections run by Mexico's National Electoral Commission.
PHOENIX — For the first time in history, Arizonans with Mexican citizenship will be voting in Mexico's presidential election.
Phoenix is one of 23 cities authorized to host elections run by Mexico's National Electoral Commission.
Political analyst Jonathan Soto said this election stands out from others because voters are likely to choose the country's first female president.
The two leading candidates in the presidential election are Claudia Scheinbaum and Xochitl Gálvez, both members of the country's ruling party.
“There are big differences. One leans more to the current party and the other tends to be more conservative,” Soto said. “Both candidates are interested in growing Mexico's economy and addressing their country's border issues and relations with the United States.”
Soto said Arizonans won't see dramatic changes, but the election is important because of Arizona's relationship with Mexico.
“We have different opinions on policy, [and] “I don't know how you look at the immigration crisis at the border, but when it comes to trade, it's a very important part of our country,” Soto emphasized. “Especially here in Arizona, we have billions of dollars of commerce, trade, people, millions of individuals that come across the border every year and contribute so much to our state.”
Elisa Salazar, who plans to vote Sunday, said she was excited to see two women as the leading candidates and said she hopes whoever wins will work to reduce crime.
“Unfortunately, we're in Mexico where there's too much crime, too many disappearances and everything,” Salazar said.
Abel Hoyos, who voted by mail, said he voted because it was his civic responsibility and that he lives very close to the border and has heard the concerns of people in Mexico.
“Even if I live in Arizona, I can go five hours or three hours to Mexico and visit my family and feel their problems,” Hoyos said. “I can understand their problems and discuss their struggles based on the policies of the president they're living under right now.”
Hoyos also said it would set a precedent by allowing voters to elect Mexico's first female president.
“Even the United States has never had a woman president,” Hoyos said.[Women] The Mexican people have confidence in a woman president. This is historic. And I think this is a great lesson in democracy for our country. [here in the] we”
Voting for the Mexican presidential election will take place on June 2nd at the Mexican Consulate, located at 320 East McDowell Road Suite 320, from 7am to 5pm.
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