Mexico's Judicial Elections: Marked Ballots, Theft, and Low Turnout Raise Concerns

Mexico's Judicial Elections Tainted by Irregularities and Low Turnout Mexico's judicial elections held on June 1st, 2025, were marred by reports of widespread irregularities and a concerningly low voter turnout. Incidents of ballot box theft and voting disruptions were reported across multiple states, casting a shadow over the democratic process. In Chiapas, officials in several polling stations reported the discovery of pre-marked ballots. "They were already marked," stated one election official, speaking on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisal. Similar incidents were reported in Puebla, where hundreds of ballots were stolen from a polling station in San Martín Texmelucan. In Michoacán, authorities investigated the theft of 300 ballots in the towns of Jungapao and Zitacuaro. These incidents, coupled with reports of voter intimidation and violence, raise serious questions about the fairness and integrity of the election. The Organization of American States (OAS) deployed an observation mission to monitor the elections. The mission's chief, Geraldo Muñoz, noted the slow pace of voter participation throughout the day. While the INE is yet to release a complete report, the sheer number of reported irregularities suggests a significant problem. The video footage and voter interviews provide compelling evidence of the challenges faced during the election. Moving forward, a thorough investigation into these irregularities is crucial to ensure the integrity of future elections and restore public confidence in the democratic process. The OAS preliminary report expected this Tuesday will be crucial in understanding the full extent of the issues.