How the Mexican election affects Mexicans living in the U.S.

The Mexican election will take place June 2, 2024, and experts say we are about to see the first election of a female president of Mexico.

We were joined by Edward Vargas, Ph.D., Associate Professor of the School of Transborder Studies at ASU, to discuss how this affects Mexicans in the U.S. and issues the new president should address.

“This is a historical and monumental election for multiple reasons,” Dr. Vargas said. “One, it’s because there are two women who are at the top of the ticket who are going to win, but it’s also historic in that this is the first time that Mexicans living outside of the U.S. will be able to vote in three different modes.”

Mexicans living abroad will have the option to vote through the internet, mailing a ballot or showing up in person.

Dr. Vargas explained he conducted a survey on Mexican-eligible voters who are living in the U.S. They sampled 600 respondents across the country and asked them about their opinions, what they cared about, what they thought the most pressing issues were, why they decided to vote, how the decided to vote and their overall trust in the process.

According to Dr. Vargas, the results of the survey aligned with what is happening in Mexico.

“The number one concern that most folks think the next administration should address is issues related to drug cartels, gang violence, reduction in government corruption and reduction in crime,” Dr. Vargas said. “Mexican voters in the United States feel those are their number one issue priority areas, as do Mexicans living in Mexico.”

Dr. Vargas expects Mexico will see their first female Jewish president soon and feels optimistic about the historical significance of this election.