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Rules Committee forwards resolution urging U.S. officials to press for vote-by-vote recount in Mexico
Summary
The committee forwarded a resolution urging federal representatives to press Mexico's authorities for a ballot-by-ballot recount after wide reports of irregularities in the July 2 presidential vote; public commenters, election observers and labor leaders overwhelmingly supported a full recount. The motion passed out of committee with a 2-1 vote.
The Rules Committee voted to forward to the full Board a resolution urging U.S. federal representatives to request that Mexico's Federal Electoral Tribunal order a ballot-by-ballot recount in its disputed July 2 presidential election.
Supervisor Daly presented an amendment to route the request through U.S. federal representatives rather than directly urging the Mexican tribunal; the amendment reflected the committee's preference for diplomatic channels. Speakers including labor leaders, certified observers and community representatives said a partial recount ordered by Mexico's tribunal (described in testimony as a 9 percent sample) was insufficient to restore public confidence.
Robles, representing the San Francisco Labor Council, told the committee the issue directly affects Mexican nationals and Mexican Americans in San Francisco and asked the Board to act quickly because the tribunal must issue its determination by September 6, according to testimony. Ted Lewis, who said he observed the election on the ground, said the partial recount could be completed quickly if authorities decided to recount all ballots and asserted that observed precinct shifts suggested further review was warranted.
After hearing public comment, the committee discussed scope and legal prudence about intervening in a foreign judicial process. Some supervisors said the Board should be careful and informed before taking a formal position; others said the city's ties to the Mexican community justify the statement. The committee forwarded the amended resolution to the Board with recommendation (two ayes, one no).
