Cartel violence can have significant effects on elections in Mexico, especially at the local level, where the influence of cartels may be more pronounced. Here are some ways it can impact elections:Intimidation and Coercion: Cartels often use intimidation tactics to influence elections. They may threaten candidates, campaign workers, and voters, making it difficult for opposition candidates to campaign freely and for voters to make independent choices.Corruption and Co-optation: Cartels may infiltrate political parties and corrupt politicians by offering financial support or by threatening violence if they don't comply with their demands. In return, these politicians may enact policies favorable to the cartels or turn a blind eye to their illegal activities.Vote Buying and Manipulation: Cartels may use their financial resources to buy votes or manipulate the electoral process, ensuring that candidates sympathetic to their interests are elected. They may also engage in ballot stuffing or tampering with election results.Disruption of Electoral Processes: Violence and instability caused by cartel conflicts can disrupt the electoral process itself. Polling stations may be closed due to security concerns, and voters may be too afraid to go out and vote, leading to low voter turnout and undermining the legitimacy of the election results.Influence on Policy Priorities: Elected officials who are beholden to cartels may prioritize policies that benefit the criminal organizations rather than addressing the needs of the local population. This can perpetuate a cycle of corruption and violence, further entrenching the power of the cartels.As the election cyle in Mexico truly gets underway, there are serious fears about the violence exploding to levels that have never been seen and the way things are trending, it would appear that the projections of the bloodiest election ever, are well on track.In this episode, we take a look at the situation and how the ever present shadow of the cartels impacts the election, especially at the local level. (commercial at 8:37)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Organized crime attacks on local candidates raise fears Mexico may face its bloodiest elections ever | AP NewsBecome a supporter of this podcast:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.