Chicago (CBS) — Sunday is election day in Venezuela, the results of which could have ripple effects across the Americas and for the thousands of Venezuelan migrants in Chicago.
Many local Venezuelans rallied on the Magnificent Mile on Sunday to draw attention to what many say is the most important presidential election of their lifetimes and to cheer on friends and family back home. They say there is so much at stake in an election that will likely determine whether people stay or leave their country.
Venezuelan pride and excitement also spread to Kedzie Street in Humboldt Park, where a spontaneous road siege caused traffic congestion, and Chicago police were quickly called in to control the swarm of vehicles that flooded the area just after 6 p.m.
Many of those gathered Sunday were in support of opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who they hope will end President Nicolas Maduro’s 11-year rule. Gonzalez has vowed to end socialist policies that have led to unlivable wages, widespread hunger and an economic collapse.
That has led many to flee the country, including Anthony Cesario, one of tens of thousands of immigrants who now call Chicago home. He arrived in the city a year ago and said he hopes Venezuela will be free and that Madura will step down as president.
Like many who were displaced, he said he struggled to feed his family.
But as the opposition grows, concerns are growing about voter fraud and whether Venezuela can hold fair and free elections. Maduro’s 2018 re-election was viewed by many, including in the United States, as fraudulent.
Since 2022, 45,000 migrants, most of them from Venezuela, have been moving to Chicago, and some say the outcome of the election could determine whether the number of migrants crossing the border spikes or drops.
One thing most local Venezuelans agree on is that they want change.
“Today, we are tired. 8.9 million Venezuelans left Venezuela and migrated all over the world in search of a better life. Many of them did not find a better life. In fact, many of them died trying to find a better life,” said Venezuelan Ana Serafin. “So today, we sincerely hope that these elections will be held in the most concrete way possible, in the most democratic way possible, so that Venezuela can find the freedom it deserves.”
Exit polls showed the opposition calling the vote, potentially bringing to an end President Nicolas Maduro’s 11-year rule.
Results began trickling in on Sunday night, but there were reports of long lines continuing after polling stations closed. Results may take several days to come in.
