Benjamin Castro is one of 1,765 Mexicans – who live abroad – who have already been sent their postal election packages, which will allow them to cast their vote to choose who will be the entity’s next governor. In Benjamin’s case, he will do so from Cambridge, England, which is more than 8,900 kilometers from the state of Mexico.
He has been living in the United Kingdom since last September, as he was accepted into the University of Cambridge to pursue a master’s degree in public policy, thus fulfilling one of his objectives. Originally from Metepec, Mexico State, Benjamin sees an opportunity in this strategy implemented by the National Electoral Institute (INE) and the Electoral Institute of the State of Mexico (IEEM) to integrate Mexicans who leave for labor, professional, educational reasons or otherwise. Can’t be present in this election but want to feel a part of your state.
“It seems to me an excellent opportunity to be able to vote from abroad, it seems to me a good opportunity to be able to be involved in the public life of the country with my state.”
How did you find out?
The medium through which he came to know that he can participate in this electoral process even while living abroad was Twitter through the account @VotoExtranjero Recalling that the process was very simple, “It doesn’t make you feel put off by the whole electoral process, because they’ve done it in a very accessible way.”
Keeping in mind that this is not only a personal exercise but also provides a sense of community, remember that it was May 8, 2023, when your election package arrived in the mail, containing the associated ballot, protecting your vote. On the envelope, instructions were included. Information on how to vote and return a package, election forums, plus a commemorative card from these elections.
“Through the platform that you chose, you could register for the overseas voters’ list and there you could also choose whether you wanted to vote by post or through the electronic platform. I chose the postal route because you can track your vote and it arrives directly at the electoral college.
Shipping to the state of Mexico
According to the instructions endorsed by INE and IEM, he explained, your vote must be mailed nine days prior to Election Day on June 4, as receipt of ballots closes on June 3 and it will take longer for your package to reach the State of Mexico. The time to come should be estimated.
“I am very happy to have the possibility, it is a very simple process, I love the idea of participating in my state’s decision making processes and being there, being aware of what is happening even though I I am abroad”.
A unique experience
The president of the Society of Mexican Students in the United Kingdom, which integrates more than 15 associations from different universities, reflected on the importance of these exercises, because in addition to promoting voting and civic participation, it reinforces that bond with the unit. also generates. And a little sad too.
“I got a lot of emotion seeing the ballot in my hands, getting through the process and also knowing that there was a possibility of voting, that the Electoral Institute had done everything to get the ballot into my hands.”
In the process, details also counted, as his election package included a map of the State of Mexico, which could literally be traced as a reminder of his land.
“To be abroad and feel it up close, with just these details, like feeling wrapped up, I think it’s a unique experience.”
