Cancún Residents Report Women Demanding Voter IDs in Exchange for Food Aid

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Residents in Cancún have reported three women, allegedly of Cuban origin, who are distributing food aid packages and egg cartons on the condition that recipients show their voter ID cards, provide copies, allow photographs of the documents, and sign a form.

People living in the Supermanzana 25 neighborhood and Barrio Maya subdivision said the women claim to belong to an organization called “Asociación Derechos de Peticiones.” However, that name does not appear in the state registry of associations or in public records.

One of the promoters identified herself as Mónica Vázquez and stated she does not work for any government agency or political institute.

The distributions reportedly occur at the intersection of Uxmal and Yaxchilán avenues, near offices of the Secretariat of Welfare, and in Region 517 on De los Mayas avenue near the “Popol Vuh” school. According to witnesses, the women travel in a white vehicle and record information on a laptop.

Residents expressed concern about potential misuse of personal data. “Later there will be people with our information using our names,” one neighbor commented, warning of risks like identity theft or electoral manipulation.

Security Expert Warns of Identity Theft Risks

Security specialist Luis Lemollé warned that providing copies of voter IDs, photographs, and signatures along with general information could facilitate identity theft, the creation of fake voter rolls, or fraudulent transactions.

He added that collecting personal information must comply with the Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties and include a clear, accessible privacy notice.

“Requesting voter IDs to provide social support is not, in itself, a crime; however, it could constitute an offense if used for electoral purposes or without informed consent,” the expert explained. He noted that the National Electoral Institute has repeatedly stated that official identification should not be retained or made a condition for accessing benefits.

Municipal and electoral authorities have been alerted by citizens to verify whether the alleged group is legally constituted and if data collection adheres to current regulations.

Residents like Octavio, an employee in the Politécnico avenue area, called for greater oversight. “We don’t know who they are or who they work for. Cancún isn’t just facing security problems; now we’re also worried about possible information trafficking disguised as community aid,” he said.

Municipal authorities were asked for comment, but no response was received by the time of publication.