That’s the fun voting catch-phrase that’s been attributed to my home town: Chicago. Supposedly because of our corrupt politicians? I have to admit (and to those who know me well this won’t be a big surprise) that I don’t devote too much energy to elections and politics at home. But, I happen to be in Peru during their presidential elections and it’s tough to miss what's going on -- I’ve found the entire process fascinating.
The Peruvian General Elections were held on April 10, 2011, the day before I came to Peru. There were more than 10 candidates in this election and the law states that a candidate must win more than 50% of the vote to be elected president. Since that didn’t happen in April, the top two candidates were to have a run-off on June 5.
What fascinated me was how Peruvians support their candidates. They don’t just put a sign in the yard or a bumper sticker on the car, in some parts of the country, they actually paint their candidate’s name on their home. That’s commitment.
There are even ads for candidates on the sides of mountains:
So as I rode on buses through northern Peru back in April, I noticed what a big deal it was and decided to learn more about the process. It turns out elections in Peru are quite different from elections in the United States.
First, voting is mandatory for all Peruvians between the ages of 18 and 70. If they don’t vote, they are fined -- the amount of the fine is based on where they live. The fines aren’t huge by US standards (between $6 and $30 – more for Peruvians living abroad) but make a real difference for many Peruvians. Consequently, in the last presidential election, about 88% of Peruvians voted (compared to about 60% in the United States).
Elections are always held on Sundays to make voting easier for many people. Interestingly, they don’t have absentee ballots, all votes must be cast in person on election day. For Peruvians living abroad, this can be challenging. There are polling stations in many big cities but those living outside of big cities must travel to the nearest polling station. For example, there is a polling station on the north side of Chicago which serves all of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, and Missouri. That can be more than 15 hours of driving for some people! And in the western United States, the polling station in Salt Lake City, Utah serves all of Utah, Idaho, and Montana!
The most fascinating fact for me is that it is illegal to sell alcohol in stores or restaurants for the two days before the election and the day of the election throughout Peru. They want to ensure that everyone votes with a clear head and that tempers are kept in control on election day. While I understand the reasons for this law, I can’t imagine a similar law in the United States! Forget riots on election day, there would be riots when people couldn’t order a drink!
Then, several days before the election, I accidentally found myself in the middle of it all when I was having dinner. I was eating on a balcony overlooking the main plaza when sirens and lots of vehicles approached. Then a crowd gathered.
Then signs started appearing for one of the candidates.
I asked my waiter if one of the candidates was staying in the hotel attached to my restaurant. He not only confirmed that he was, but even told me his room number! (I’m pretty sure security wouldn’t let that happen in the US) The crowd started cheering and there he was standing in the bed of a pick-up truck just 10 feet below me!
And while I’m not a political person, I was excited to see the next President of Peru up close and personal! Viva Peru!
If you'd like more information on the politics of the Peruvian presidential election, read this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/06/ollanta-humala-elected-peru-vote_n_871686.html.
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