General Elections, 2 June 2024

 Heatwave, June–July 2024 

A record-breaking heatwave struck Mexico in the runup to the general elections of 2 June with temperatures of over 50 degrees Celcius in Tabascao state and temperatures of over 45 degrees in 19 of Mexico’s 32 states (Pelaez-Fernandez and O'Boyle 2024; Tourliere 2024). The Health Ministry reported that as of the second week of June, high temperatures had caused 125 deaths nationwide and 2,308 cases of heat stroke. The heatwave led to 61 deaths in May alone, as well as power cuts and health problems in wild and domestic animals (Pelaez-Fernandez and O'Boyle 2024; Tourliere 2024).   

20 out of the 32 states were affected by rolling power outages (Alire Garcia and Barrera 2024). The National Energy Control Centre (Cenace) declared on several occasions a nationwide emergency in the electrical system.  

Most (85 per cent) of the country was also experiencing a drought, which was exacerbated by the heatwave (Guillén 2024). 30 out of the 32 states were undergoing severe water shortages coupled with intense heat and blackouts (Reuters 2024).  

Impact on the electoral process  

The general election was held on 2 June 2024. While ordinary polling stations provided quick service, voters at special stations—set up for citizens far from home on election day—endured long waits under the sun. In one location, delays resulted in up to three-hour waits in 45-degree heat (Sosa 2024). Many voters, especially the elderly, suffered from heat-related illnesses, with some leaving before casting their ballots. At least one voter died after collapsing at a polling station (Sosa 2024).  

In Veracruz, there were several cases of people fainting, or complaining of headaches. Nausea was also reported among voters due to prolonged sun exposure. The State Government's Civil Protection Agency urged citizens attending the polls to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen (Sosa 2024). On election day, one person died of stroke in Veracruz while waiting to vote (Méndez de Hoyos and Pérez-Arellano 2025). 

Climate change featured as an issue in the election campaign, with both major presidential candidates discussing it in relation to the heatwave and the water supply (Yucatan Times 2024). 

Mexico’s electoral management body, the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE), undertook cooling measures in polling places (Milenio 2024). Plans were also made to undertake vote tabulation in air-conditioned locations (Milenio 2024).  

Turnout was 61 per cent, a slight decrease on the 63 per cent turnout recorded in the 2018 election (International IDEA, n.d.).