Mexican Nationals not able to vote in RGV for president

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Mexican Consolates in McAllen and Brownsville were not approved as voting locations and are forcing voters to travel out of the Rio Grande Valley in order to vote.

Mexican nationals living abroad can go vote in 20 different consulate locations in the United States however, the consulates in McAllen and Brownsville were not approved as voting locations by the Mexican Electoral Institute.

The closest voting locations in Texas will be in Houston and Dallas, which has made many Rio Grande Valley residents who can vote frustrated.

"Consulates are supposed to be the Mexican territory in the country you go to, but here I encounter this," said Rosa Maria Oñate, who went to the consulate to ask how to vote. "Look it up yourself, find out yourself, what is this? Well, one less vote."

Oñate says she does not have the money nor time to travel more than 350 miles to go vote.

Other voters such as Nicolas Cabello Torres were surprised by the announcement as he feels it is a duty everyone should have.

“I feel in my heart the responsibility, obligation to come and knock on the doors of the Mexican consulate to participate in the coming elections in Mexico," Torres said.

Mexican Consulate Manager of Community Relations Cynthia Navarro Villegas says those interested in voting abroad had to register before Feb. 20, 2024.

Those registered were able to get their ballot via mail, online, or have a spot at one of the consulates.

She says people who did not register can still travel to a participating consulate and wait in line or go to Mexico to vote at their polling place.

"Never stop participating and exercise your vote because you're still Mexican even if you live abroad, and you can still participate," Villegas said. "Whoever did register to please do not forget to send your ballots before time or to not forget to exercise your right to vote online or go to any of the consulate locations chosen for voting.”

Villegas adds that aside from the historic race for president between women, voters will be able to choose their next senators and in some states their next governor.