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Mexico Holds First-Ever Judicial Elections: Voter Turnout Lags, Crime Influence Looms

A reform aimed at purging corrupt judges has left voters bewildered following analysts’ warnings that criminal groups may still sway outcomes.

A supporter of Lenia Batres, who is running for election for the Mexican Supreme Court, holds an instruction sheet on how to vote, during her closing campaign rally in Mexico City, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Demonstrators shouts slogans against the country's first judicial elections at a protest near the Angel of Independence in Mexico City, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
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Demonstrators shouts slogans against the country's first judicial elections, while holding signs that read in Spanish, "RIP Democracy" at a protest by the Angel of Independence in Mexico City, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Overview

  • On June 1, Mexican voters selected about 880 federal judges, including all Supreme Court justices, under a reform enacted last September to curb corruption.
  • Turnout is estimated at just 8%–12%, potentially ranking among the lowest levels of electoral participation in Mexico’s modern history.
  • Defensorxs identified some 20 high-risk candidates—including lawyers for cartel leaders and former convicts—raising red flags about judicial integrity.
  • Ballots listing thousands of little-known contenders forced many voters to rely on handwritten notes or distributed guides, fueling widespread confusion.
  • Electoral chief Guadalupe Taddei said preliminary results for the Supreme Court races will not be released until Monday, prolonging uncertainty over key seats.