Although convicted felons lose their right to vote in elections in Mexico, those being held in jail while awaiting trial and/or sentencing are theoretically eligible to cast their votes. This has rarely happened, however.
This week, over four days, for the first time in Jalisco’s history, prisoners still “presumed innocent” were able to cast votes in the upcoming elections at prisión preventiva detention centers in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and several other towns. In total, 3,208 men and women are eligible to vote under this legal status in Jalisco.
This year, the National Electoral Institute (INE) has made a special effort to safeguard and ensure the voting rights of Mexican prisoners yet to receive a sentence.
Only two states have been unable to implement voting procedures for unconvicted prisoners: Yucatan and Veracruz.