Voters need a campaign (part 2)

Yesterday the AP covered the Mexican electoral rules that won't allow candidates to campaign in the US.

Mexico's Federal Electoral Institute approved rules that virtually ban Mexican candidates from leaving the country for fear they could violate a legal ban on campaigning for the July 6 vote. And their parties can't spend a cent to reach the estimated 4 million registered Mexican voters abroad, the vast majority in the United States.

If that sounds like the best of both worlds for voters weary of campaign propaganda, it's frustrating to politicians desperate to woo what is likely to be a crucial swing vote in a close three-way vote...

...Fearing foreign money could contaminate Mexico's domestic election, Congress banned parties from spending any money abroad or doing any "activities, acts and electoral propaganda" during the campaign. Institute President Luis Carlos Ugalde said the rules banned even the public presence of a candidate abroad.

Even with the law explained, it's still a bad regulation. There is some good news:

Several board members noted that the law does allow candidates to give local interviews that are broadcast or published abroad. That could give foreign news media an unusually important role in the Mexican election.

However, relying on the US media to deliver information does not seem like a great plan.