Meet Arcelia Santillán: Candidate for Regional Electoral Magistrate in Mexico’s First-Ever Judicial Election

Web Editor

April 18, 2025

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Background and Relevance

Arcelia Santillán, a candidate for Regional Electoral Magistrate in Mexico’s upcoming judicial election on June 1, 2025, aims to strengthen the electoral system through transparency and direct communication. Her role will focus on resolving electoral conflicts, addressing grievances from local representatives, and ensuring fair and accessible decisions. With a law degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a master’s in electoral law from the School of the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Power, Santillán brings 15 years of experience to this position.

Currently serving as a dictaminadora in the turnover and processing area of the Secretary General of Acuerdos at the Superior Chamber of the Federal Electoral Tribunal, Santillán’s goal is to foster a more transparent and inclusive electoral system. She emphasizes the importance of clear, simple, and unbiased resolutions while promoting greater citizen participation, especially among vulnerable groups.

Why Vote for Arcelia Santillán?

This judicial election marks a historic moment in Mexico, as it is the first time citizens will directly elect regional electoral magistrates. The reform judiciary established this new process, allowing for popular voting in selecting magistrates, ministers, and justices. Santillán believes this change will benefit citizens by fostering closer relationships with electoral authorities, enhancing trust and participation, and ensuring justice is administered fairly.

The June 1, 2025 Election Details

The upcoming Process Electoral Judicial on June 1, 2025, will elect several key positions: Ministers and Justices of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), Magistrates of the Superior and Regional Chambers of the Federal Electoral Tribunal (TEPJF), members of the Judicial Discipline Tribunal, and Circuit Magistrates and People Judges of Districts.

The National Electoral Institute (INE) will announce voting locations across various states, including Guerrero, Hidalgo, Puebla, Morelos, Tlaxcala, and the Mexico City.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What are Arcelia Santillán’s qualifications? Santillán holds a law degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a master’s in electoral law from the School of the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Power. She has 15 years of experience in the legal sector, currently serving as a dictaminadora at the Federal Electoral Tribunal.
  • What is the significance of this judicial election? This election is Mexico’s first direct popular vote for regional electoral magistrates, ministers, and justices, as established by the reform judiciary.
  • What positions will be elected in the June 1, 2025 election? The election will determine Ministers and Justices of the SCJN, Magistrates of the TEPJF’s Superior and Regional Chambers, members of the Judicial Discipline Tribunal, and Circuit Magistrates and People Judges of Districts.
  • Where can citizens vote in this election? The INE will announce voting locations across various states, including Guerrero, Hidalgo, Puebla, Morelos, Tlaxcala, and the Mexico City.