Message from the US Consulate In Merida and a Voting Survey

[mixz1]

Received by email this morning:
Warden Notice

The U.S. Consulate in Merida, Yucatan, would like you to be informed of the following important information while you are visiting/residing in the country of Mexico.

Please scroll down for a repeated safety announcement for those traveling or living in the northern part of Mexico, and further down for an online Voting Survey for absentee voters.

We sincerely apologize if you’ve received this message in error or are no longer in Mexico. Please advise us so we can take your information off our mailing list.

Ø SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN SOME AREAS OF MEXICO

March 30, 2007

In light of continued drug-related violence in various parts of Mexico, we are repeating our Public Announcement of September 15, 2006, which contains good advice regarding your personal safety.

September 15, 2006

This message alerts U.S. citizens to the rising level of brutal violence in areas of Mexico. This violence has occurred throughout Mexico, but has been particularly persistent in the city of Nuevo Laredo within the state of Tamaulipas. This Public Announcement expires on April 17, 2007.

U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico should exercise extreme caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Public sources suggest that narcotics-related violence has claimed 1,500 lives in Mexico this year. In recent months there have been execution-style murders of Mexican and U.S. citizens in Tamaulipas (particularly Nuevo Laredo), Michoacan, Baja California, Guerrero and other states.

U.S. citizens have also been victims of random shootings on major highways outside of Mexico City, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana and other areas throughout Mexico. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Nuevo Laredo, with more than two dozen cases still unresolved; recent incidents indicate a possible resurgence of kidnappings for ransom. Mexican police and other government figures have been murdered in Guerrero, Nuevo Leon, the Federal District, Tamaulipas and other states. Drug cartel members have been known to follow and harass U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros.

Though there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are targeted, criminals look for every opportunity to take advantage of unwary travelers. U.S. citizens who believe they are being followed should notify officials as soon as possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which are generally more secure. It is preferable for U.S. citizens to stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. U.S. citizens should refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

For any emergencies involving American citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Consulates:
Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.
Merida: Calle 60 No. 338 K, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.

Ø ONLINE VOTING SURVEY

The U.S. Embassy is sending this message to registered American citizens to inform them that the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), through the Overseas Vote Foundation, is conducting a survey on absentee voting. EAC has asked for the State Department’s help in disseminating the survey to Americans worldwide.

The survey asks voters about their experiences and preferences with respect to electronic (fax, email, online) submission of voting materials and seeks to improve the ability of overseas citizens to vote. The results and EAC’s recommendations will be reported to Congress.

Below you will find an invitation letter and a link to the online survey, which should take 8 – 10 minutes to complete. Your personal information will remain confidential. Participation is voluntary.

Dear Voter:
We are conducting a survey of overseas and military absentee voters and are inviting you to tell us about your experience with voting or trying to vote in the November 2006 election. Please take 8-10 minutes to fill out this survey. Your responses are confidential and will be used to improve overseas voting programs.

This survey is sponsored by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and being conducted by the Overseas Vote Foundation and our project partner, Q2 Data & Research, LLC. Your feedback will help to influence developments which will make it easier for us to participate!

Please help by sharing your experiences and opinions with us. Only with your feedback can we make good recommendations. Thank you in advance for your time.

From your friends at Overseas Vote Foundation

Please use this internet address to begin the survey:

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2267HAA8QWY