Mexican Voters Abroad: The 2018 Mexican Elections, the Vote, and Political Behavior of Mexican Residents in the United States

• In Event: The 2018 Presidential Election in Mexico

Abstract

The 2018 Mexican general elections represented an historical event for the country's democracy and for Mexican voters. The contests were also critical for Mexican voters residing abroad including the United States (US), where the number of voters represented a substantial contribution to the Mexican electoral process. This paper explores the dynamics of Mexican voters living in the US, which constituted the largest share of the vote abroad. While there many similarities among Mexican voters in the US with those residing in their homeland, there were also key differences among these groups. This paper tracks these differences using an original survey data set of Mexicans residing in the US. In particular, this paper tracks key differences in patterns of partisanship and support for Mexico's democratic institutions. It concludes by noting that Mexicans living abroad can make an important contribution to democracy in their homeland.

Author

• Antonio Ugues Jr, St. Mary's College of Maryland