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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | August 2005 
Fox Celebrates Vote for Mexicans Abroad
 Associated Press
| | Riot police guard the perimeter around Mexico's National Congress on Wednesday, where President Vicente Fox will give his fifth State of the Union address on Thursday. (Photo: AP) |
Mexico City – President Vicente Fox on Wednesday celebrated a new law allowing Mexicans abroad – overwhelmingly in the United States – to vote in next year's presidential election, saying they will no longer be "second-class citizens."
"We guarantee that they will never again be absent from the democratic life of Mexico," Fox said during an event at the presidential palace which also involved migrant activists and legislators.
Mexico's Congress approved methods to enable voting abroad two months ago and officials are now implementing the plan. On Tuesday, the government said Mexicans living overseas will be able to pick up forms requesting an absentee ballot at Mexican consulates and embassies starting Oct. 1.
Nearly 11 million Mexicans live outside of Mexico, and 98 percent are in the United States. Some 4.2 million are registered to vote. Ballots will be returned by mail.
Raul Ross of the Coalition for Political Rights of Mexicans Abroad said the new measures will give Mexico "a greater legitimacy to negotiate affairs of its migrants with the United States." He said his group would join with others to promote voting in the July 2 election. |
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