Voters in Juarez are optimistic for change during elections in Mexico

Ciudad Juarez has undeniably been hit the hardest by the drug war. Now, — our neighbors to the south are hopeful this presidential election will mark a new beginning. Tens of thousands of voters turned out to El Paso’s sister city –most hoping, and praying a new president can bring prosperity to the city once again.

“We’re in elections now,” says Juarez resident Antonio Hernandez, “and we are hoping people in this city can overcome their fears as a new president institutes change.”

With elections in mind, Hernandez and other members of a local humanitarian group took part in a march for peace from the historic “Presidencia Municipal”, one of the many place residents of Juarez cast their vote.

The peaceful demonstrators continued their walk to the Benito Juarez monument park, about a mile away.

Manuel Escobedo, who was at the demonstration, says, “These elections will allow us to move forward. Everyone’s vote counts.”

He realizes there’s much to build on. –There were just 49 murders in Juarez in June, the lowest number in four years. Juarez is a city that’s seen over 5,000 murders in the last 6 years.

**See Paul Cicala‘s complete story as-it-aired on ABC-7 by clicking on picture/video above.