Low turnout marks Marcos Juárez election, the Córdoba district that became Cambiemos’ ground zero

Only about six in 10 eligible voters turned out in Marcos Juárez, a sharp drop from the previous mayoral election in the Córdoba city that has long drawn national political attention. Of the 24,803 people eligible to vote, participation reached roughly 60%, compared with 69% among 24,177 registered voters in 2022.

The contest, according to figures being discussed by participants, was between Germán Font of Generación M, who is aligned with the provincial government, and Pedro Dellarossa, the former mayor backed by figures from what was formerly Juntos por el Cambio. Dellarossa’s campaign finale drew Senator Luis Juez, while Mauricio Macri and Patricia Bullrich sent messages of support.

Marcos Juárez became a national political focal point after Dellarossa was elected in September 2014. At that event, held at the Italian Society’s cinema-theater, supporters chanted, “Mauricio president.” Since then, national figures from different parties have repeatedly visited the city during subsequent elections.

Libertarian figures tried to persuade Dellarossa to run under their label, but he rejected the proposal and La Libertad Avanza did not field a list. Its representatives instead said they shared affinities with most of the candidates. The election used a single paper ballot, after the local administration said electronic voting would not return because of its cost.

The city’s charter requires the mayoral election to take place at least 60 days before the incumbent’s term ends and at least 90 days apart from provincial or national elections. Alongside Font and Dellarossa, five other candidates ran: Verónica Crescente, Gerardo Pasquali, Ana Claudia Elzaurdia, Jorge Antonio Bolcatto and Juan Carlos Escobar.