Quintana Roo Judicial Election Sees Low Turnout, Delays

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The judicial election in Quintana Roo began with low voter turnout and delays in the opening of polling stations across several municipalities, including Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Bacalar, and Lázaro Cárdenas.

Delays and Low Participation in Felipe Carrillo Puerto

In Felipe Carrillo Puerto, the electoral process started with minimal participation, compounded by late openings of polling stations. The National Electoral Institute (INE) had assigned 43 polling stations and 94 electoral packages for an expected 61,704 voters. However, many stations opened up to an hour late, and few citizens arrived to cast their ballots.

At the Vicente Guerrero and Carlos Lugo López primary schools (sections 262 and 264), no voters were present at 8:00 a.m. In contrast, polling stations 263 and 265 (Benito Juárez and Agustín Melgar primary schools) saw some early arrivals, though operations began 25 minutes late. Outside these stations, mototaxi drivers waited, though some clarified they were not there to transport voters but to offer general services.

Cancún’s Empty Polling Stations

In Cancún, the polling station at SM 527 remained empty in the early hours of voting. Authorities reported a calm atmosphere, with municipal police maintaining security at designated voting sites.

Tulum: Confusion and Lack of Information

In Tulum, five of the 52 planned polling stations had not opened by 9:00 a.m. due to incomplete staffing. Voters expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the judicial election process.

Gerardo Amaro, a voter in the Tumben-Ka'a neighborhood, criticized the INE for inadequate voter education. “We are completely uninformed. The ballots are confusing—some require underlining, others filling in boxes. No one explained anything to us,” he said. Amaro also questioned the electoral authorities’ failure to properly disseminate information about the candidates and voting procedures.

Bacalar: Tranquil but Slow Start

At the Miguel Alemán primary school in Bacalar, voting began at 8:19 a.m. after a delayed setup. A small line formed, mostly consisting of elderly voters, but participation remained low. No incidents were reported, though turnout was notably sparse.

Lázaro Cárdenas: Polling Stations Unopened

By 9:00 a.m., none of the 18 polling stations in Lázaro Cárdenas had opened due to resignations among polling officials. The INE and district council scrambled to find replacements, but voter turnout was minimal, with many leaving upon finding stations closed.

Cozumel: Minimal Engagement

In Cozumel, over 70% of polling stations opened on time, but voter participation was extremely low. María May, a voter, admitted, “I don’t know why we’re voting or what this is for.” Authorities reported no major incidents but acknowledged widespread voter disengagement.

Isla Mujeres: Delayed Openings

In Isla Mujeres, most of the 18 polling stations opened an hour late. The Municipal Electoral Council confirmed no major disruptions but noted voters’ confusion over the judicial candidates and election purpose.

Nationwide Context

This unprecedented judicial election, aimed at increasing citizen participation in judicial appointments, has faced criticism for poor voter education and logistical challenges. Despite efforts by electoral authorities, low turnout and operational delays have characterized the process in Quintana Roo.