At the most basic level of local politics lies the Comité de Acción Ciudadana (Citizens’ Action Committee), CAC. A committee is elected for each community throughout the state of Nayarit to serve for a three year term. They function much like a residents’ association taking on projects to improve the community and organizing events. They raise their own funds although the municipality will some times help pay for special events.
The term, of office is close to the same as the municipal councillors and president but the elections are held a bit later. (December 4th in 2011). Campaigning is by slate. Slates are identified by colours. The number of members of the CAC will depend on the size of the community. La Peñita has 12. Los Ayala has 8. They are not paid.
The most common form of campaigning is the painted/decorated vehicle
flag waving parades
and going door to door handing out fliers.
The Brown slate was campaigning in the neighbourhood while we were working on the Las Ladrilleras Kindergarten.
Voting happens in the plaza of the community. In 2011 the turnout in La Peñita was particularly heavy with a long line up.
To eliminate multiple voting, voters receive a permanent ink make on their thumb.
The victorious party of course celebrates. Read about that here: La Peñita – Blanca Wins Local Elections
Although the juez auxiliar (delegado in larger communities) is elected on the same slate as the CAC the rules defining the CAC makes no mention of them. They are not part of the CAC, officially, but they function as part of the same team.
Additional Resources:
Rules governing the CAC’s for the state of Nayarit.
El número de integrantes de los Comités de Acción Ciudadana será de acuerdo al No. De Ciudadanos de la localidad en mención.
*Localidades hasta con 1000 ciudadanos: 8 integrantes (Presidente, Secretario, Tesorero y 5 Vocales).
*Localidades de 1001 a 1500 ciudadanos: 10 integrantes (Presidente, Secretario, Tesorero y 7 Vocales).
*Localidades de 1501 ciudadanos: 12 integrantes (Presidente, Secretario, Tesorero y 9 Vocales).
Spanish Lesson:
Planilla – slate
blanca – white
cafe – brown
fuerza – force
amarillo – yellow
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