Heatwaves and the 2024 general elections in Mexico

Abstract

Mexico has experienced a consistent rise in temperatures since 2015, with 2024 - the year of general elections - recording the highest on record. Despite the numerous hazards associated with climate change and the immense administrative challenges posed by the renewal of over 20,000 federal and local positions, the National Electoral Institute (Instituto Nacional Electoral, INE) and lower-tier electoral management bodies (EMBs) succeeded in installing 99.85 per cent of polling stations, with no significant incidents reported on election day, 2 June. The research conducted to address the key question guiding this case study - the extent to which national and local electoral bodies were prepared to face the adverse effects of heatwaves during the June 2024 elections - reveals that the professionalism of EMB staff enabled them to effectively manage the risks encountered. Although they were equipped with handbooks on risk management and crisis response for various hazards, these materials did not cover heatwaves, nor was extreme heat considered a significant concern by electoral authorities.