Low Turnout in Washington Polling Place for Guatemalan Voters
More than 90,000 Guatemalans in the United States are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections. To accommodate these voters, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) installed 17 voting centers in regions with a high concentration of Guatemalan migrants. However, the first day of voting in Washington saw a low turnout.
Juan José Palencia, a Guatemalan voter from Progreso Guatemala, was the 20th voter at the polling station in the metropolitan area of Washington, which has around 16,000 registered voters. Palencia arrived at the polling station with the intention of annulling his vote as a sign of protest against the alleged anomalies in the electoral process in Guatemala.
Palencia stated, “Because of so many things that are seen in Guatemala, I have not voted for any of the shortlisted candidates. I only came to stain my ballot, to annul the vote. Honestly, none of the participants have a good record; they are political enthusiasts.”
Maynor Aguirre, the secretary of the Northeast US Board of Elections and a member of the Guatemalan community in the US capital region, reported that the day passed calmly but with significantly low participation. Aguirre expressed hope that at least 5,000 out of the 16,000 registered voters in the metropolitan area would come to vote. However, he acknowledged that logistical problems, such as delays in issuing documents, hindered Guatemalans abroad from registering to vote.
Anabella Menéndez, the delegate of the TSE for the Guatemalan Voting Board Abroad, stated that the coordination to install the voting center in Washington went smoothly. However, she acknowledged that some voters who arrived at the polling station were unable to cast their vote because they had not updated their information to vote from abroad.
Héctor Tisda, a Guatemalan voter from Baja Verapaz, expressed frustration at not being able to vote due to outdated information. He criticized the Guatemalan system and stated, “Living here in Virginia, I never received the correct information for a voting process… we do not have the opportunity to make our voices heard as immigrants.”
It is important to note that Guatemala only allows voting abroad for presidential shortlisted candidates. At the end of the registration process, it was reported that 90,000 Guatemalan migrants in the United States are authorized to vote.
The low turnout in the Washington polling place highlights the challenges faced by Guatemalan voters abroad, including logistical issues and a lack of information. The TSE and relevant authorities should address these concerns to ensure a more inclusive and accessible voting process for Guatemalan migrants in future elections.
What are some reasons for the low voter turnout among Guatemalan voters in the United States?
Believe that voting is a right and a responsibility, but it can also be a way to express our discontent with the system. By annulling my vote, I am making a statement against what I perceive as corruption and unfairness in the electoral process.”
Other voters at the Washington polling place also expressed similar sentiments. Many cited the lack of faith in the candidates and the belief that their votes would not make a difference in the overall outcome of the election.
One voter, Maria Lopez, said, “I am disheartened by the candidates that we have to choose from. None of them truly represent my values and beliefs. I understand that my vote is important, but I also feel that it’s essential to send a message that we are not satisfied with the options presented to us.”
The low turnout in Washington highlights a larger issue among Guatemalan voters in the United States. Many feel disconnected from the political process and lack information about the candidates and their platforms. This, combined with the disillusionment with the state of politics in Guatemala, has led to a decrease in voter turnout.
Several factors may contribute to this lack of information and engagement. Language barriers, limited access to voting information, and a lack of targeted outreach from political candidates and organizations all play a role in the disconnection felt by Guatemalan voters.
Efforts are being made to address these issues and increase voter turnout among the Guatemalan community. Non-profit organizations and community leaders are working to provide resources and information to voters, as well as increase awareness of the importance of civic participation.
The low turnout in Washington highlights a need for increased engagement and support for Guatemalan voters in the United States. By addressing the issues of disconnection and lack of information, steps can be taken to ensure that Guatemalans are able to exercise their right to vote and have their voices heard in the democratic process.
