"But how are we going to change Mexico if we don't vote?"

Jan 5, 1:32 PM EST

Few Mexicans in U.S. Seek Absentee Ballots

By PETER PRENGAMAN
Associated Press Writer

LYNWOOD, Calif. (AP) -- Luis del Angel Garcia perks up as the first person in an hour approaches his information booth to ask about voting in the Mexican presidential election in July.

But like millions of other Mexican citizens living in the United States, the man has no voter card and cannot return to Mexico to get one because he is in this country illegally. And without the card, he cannot apply for an absentee ballot.

That dynamic threatens to undermine the first-ever attempt by Mexico to let expatriates vote.

With a Jan. 15 deadline to apply for absentee ballots looming, just over 10,500 Mexicans in the United States - about two-tenths of 1 percent of those eligible - have filed the necessary paperwork.

I have a suggestion Mr. Garcia, return to Mexico and work on fixing your country in your country, as an absentee ballot will not help. If you are unsure where to attempt re-entry into your country, then I suggest that you try looking here and pick a spot to cross back over.

Others may have additional suggesstions...

--WP