Thousands in Chicago line up to vote in historic Mexican election
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Thousands of people were lined up Sunday on Chicago's Near West Side for a historic election in Mexico that drew crowds in Mexico and at consulates across the United States. It's the first time Mexican nationals could cast their presidential votes at Chicago's Mexican consulate near Ashland and Adams.
Some described the process as "disorganized," a "mess," and a "disaster." And things got tense when voters were told the polls were closed. Hundreds of people were there after the polls closed at 7 p.m., demanding a chance to vote.
Some of them had been waiting hours only to be turned away.
There were so many people that police closed the streets to traffic around 11 a.m.
Mexican election officials used this consulate in a pilot program about a year ago. That time, it was for a couple of smaller state elections, and they were seemingly unprepared for the numbers that showed Sunday to pick their president.
Around 5:30 p.m., some just around the corner from the entrance said they had been there since 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., waiting with minimal forward movement. They said there was very little communication about what was happening, how much longer they had to wait, and their chances of casting their votes.
They were there as the country is expected to vote for its first female president. The top contenders are Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez.
"I got here around 9 a.m., and it has been a disaster, to be honest," said Jose Antonio Urban. "It has been very disorganized. And yeah, we don't know. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to cast my vote."
He was among those who had pre-registered but said there was very little movement in his line and even less information.
"Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing at all," he said.
Some in line left early.
"In one spot in two hours, maybe 10 steps," said Ricardo Rodriguez, who left without voting.
Thousands lined up on either side of the building. People traveled from other states to the only consulate in the Midwest accepting in-person votes.
"We need to change a lot of things in Mexico," said Elvia Torres. "And this is historic for everybody."
The people who did vote told CBS 2 they saw only a few trained workers inside and older voters struggling with the electronic voting method.
Still, after hours of waiting, with their votes cast, they walked away optimistic.
"That is the proof. The proof is here. Eight hours waiting for my vote, but finally, I got it," said Carlos Patino.
The doors of the Mexican consulate closed at 7 p.m., and hundreds were left outside, chanting, "We want to vote." Chicago Police tried to clear the crowd from the front entrance, where the very first voters started lining up as early as 3 a.m.
There were other ways to vote, including online and by mail. One man told CBS 2 that he would probably travel back to Mexico to vote next time.