Mexican voters in the US could help choose the next president of Mexico in 2018

Mexican presidential elections are held every six years and voters have so far needed a voter ID registered to an address in Mexico to cast a ballot. This July 2018 presidential election is the first big election where the National Electoral Institute in Mexico has allowed Mexican voters living outside the country to register and cast a ballot by mail.

Mexican consulates and embassies around the world have opened their doors to register voters. Less than half a percent of the nearly 11 million Mexicans living in the US voted in the last two elections, according to the electoral institute. This was the first year people living outside the country could officially register to vote by mail, and it’s more important as the elections draw closer. The electoral institute has called Mexican voters living abroad a potentially decisive vote.

“From January until now we’re talking about like, 760, 770 more or less. Today we’ve had about 160 and the number is growing. We’re expecting to register like 200, 210 on this day,” said Ricardo Hernandez, the Deputy Consul General.

The Electoral Institute has reported more than 600,000 Mexican voters have registered from abroad not including Saturday’s final surge.

Two elections ago in 2006 the presidency was won by around 200,000. That means votes from abroad could decide the next Mexican president on July 1st.

The Consulate will remain open until 6:00 pm Saturday. You need proof of Mexican citizenship, a photo ID and proof of address to register.