CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - People lined up for hours Sunday outside the Mexican consulate in Chicago to vote in that country’s presidential election.
Some called it “disorganized” and a “disaster,” with the earliest people showing up at 3 a.m. to cast a ballot for the first time in person at consulates outside of Mexico.
The crowds got so large at the consulate at Ashland and Adams that Chicago Police shut down the street.
Carlos Pinto showed CBS-2 his thumb after voting.
“[Here’s] the proof,” Pinto said. “The proof is here. Eight hours waiting for my vote, but finally, I got it.”
Hundreds of people were still waiting when the polls closed at 7 p.m. Sunday, demanding a chance to vote.
The consulate was used in a pilot program last year, but it was for smaller state elections, and staff here were seemingly unprepared for the numbers that showed up.
Claudia Sheinbaum claimed victory in Mexico’s presidential election, becoming the first woman selected for the job by promising to continue the political course set by her populist predecessor despite widespread discontent with persistent cartel violence and disappointing economic performance.
The climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor was the favored successor of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. But her cool temper offers a sharp contrast in style — and a break with Mexico’s male-dominated political culture.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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