Veracruz 2025: The race for 212 mayoralties and 842 councilors begins

The electoral machinery in Veracruz has been set in motion for the 2025 elections, in which all 212 municipal governments in the state will be elected. The National Electoral Institute (INE) has defined the key dates for the process, marking the beginning of a contest that will define the local political direction for the coming years.

While national political attention focuses on other issues, one of the most important local electoral contests has quietly begun in Veracruz: the renewal of its 212 municipal presidencies, along with their respective mayoralties and councilors. The 2024-2025 electoral process already has a calendar defined by the National Electoral Institute (INE), and political parties and independent candidates are beginning to prepare their strategies for what is expected to be an intense and crucial battle for territorial control of the state.

The 2025 election in Veracruz is of considerable magnitude in terms of public offices. Veracruz citizens will be called to the polls to elect a total of 1,054 elected offices, distributed as follows:

• 212 Municipal Presidencies

This complete overhaul of municipal governments means that every corner of the state, from large cities like Veracruz, Xalapa, and Coatzacoalcos to the smallest communities, will be immersed in the democratic process.

The INE has established a precise timeline to guide each stage of the process. It is essential that both political actors and citizens know these dates to ensure informed and orderly participation. The most important stages are:

• Start of the Process: Between November 1 and 10, 2024.

• Support for Independent Candidates: From January 23 to February 21, 2025. A crucial period for those seeking to run without the backing of a political party.

• Pre-campaigns for City Councils: February 2-21, 2025. Candidates within the political parties will seek to secure their candidacy.

• Candidacy Registration: April 1-10, 2025. The deadline for parties and coalitions to nominate their candidates.

• Election Campaigns: From April 29 to May 28, 2025. A month of intense campaigning activity throughout the state.

Election Day, although not specified in the initial calendar, will be held on the first Sunday in June, as is tradition.

The 2025 election in Veracruz will not be without challenges. The security of candidates and voters in a state with complex regions will be a major concern for electoral and public security authorities. Ensuring that the contest takes place in a peaceful environment and without interference from non-state actors is a priority.

Furthermore, governability and the ability of future city councils to address citizen demands on issues such as public services, economic development, and local security will be central to the campaigns. In a context of political polarization, the ability of parties to present concrete and viable proposals, beyond disqualification, will be key to attracting votes. Finally, fostering high citizen participation will be another major challenge, seeking to combat the abstentionism that often characterizes midterm and local elections.