Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Mexicans Eager to Cast Votes for No One

Blank ballot campaign gains popularity as democracy loses it

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 18, 2009 2:51 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Plenty of politicians are battling for votes ahead of Mexico’s July 5 congressional election, but the campaign getting the most buzz isn’t for a candidate—it’s for no candidate. The vote en blanco movement is urging disillusioned Mexicans to turn in their ballots with a giant “X” over them to protest what they see as a lousy slate of candidates, Time reports.

Frustrated with the movement, the government is running an expensive ad campaign urging people to vote. Politicians say it’s “irresponsible,” and one Catholic bishop called it “stupidity.” But vote en blanco proponents are adamant. “Voting for the least bad candidate is like buying the least rotten fruit,” said one. “I prefer to leave a note saying, 'Hey. All your fruit is rotten.'”

Mexican citizens cast their vote in the Mexican presidential election in this July 2, 2000 file photo.
Mexican citizens cast their vote in the Mexican presidential election in this July 2, 2000 file photo.   (Getty Images)
A Mexican citizen casts her vote in the Mexican presidential election July 2, 2000 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
A Mexican citizen casts her vote in the Mexican presidential election July 2, 2000 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.   (Getty Images)
A demonstrator protests outside Venezuela's embassy in Mexico City in this Jan 24, 2009 file photo.
A demonstrator protests outside Venezuela's embassy in Mexico City in this Jan 24, 2009 file photo.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Mr.C
Jun 19, 2009 12:21 PM CDT
I think you are rather confused. Read it again.
Fondue
Jun 18, 2009 9:00 AM CDT
Why are they spending money to encourage voting when the people are voting?
BeatBlaster
Jun 18, 2009 8:03 AM CDT
Well when the government is rotten where else do you have to turn? At least these people are expressing themselves instead of just sitting at home complaining of all the problems in the world.

Voters apathetic, cynical ahead of election
Monthly Review

Protesters speak out for blank votes
Los Angeles Times

 
Mexico • democracy • vote • protest vote • vote en blanco

More Newser Stories

Secret Poll: Cubans Want Vote
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne