Puerto Ricans and Mexicans are known around the world as some of the happiest people on earth. In most places where I have traveled, foreigners greet me with enthusiasm when they learn I am Mexican. The ensuing conversation is usually one that lets me know they associate my country with sunshine and having a good time. It turns out Puerto Ricans have a similar experience.

It is interesting that our countries project such levity despite the many challenges we face daily, such as poverty, corruption, drugs, political scandals and violence. Yet, while I have not been able to scientifically prove whether Mexicans and Puerto Ricans are generally happier than the rest of the world’s population, I can say that as a Mexican working in Puerto Rico, I experienced one of the happiest moments of my life.

It's been five years now since I started working on a long-term project with the Elections Commission of Puerto Rico. The project provides professional assistance to the Elections Commission as they adjust their election administration practices to comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). One area of our program is to work hand-in-hand with the Commission as they research, test and put in practice mechanisms to increase access to the electoral process for persons with disabilities while ensuring their privacy and independence. This, of course, is not an easy task.

After many years of dealing with regulations, limited funding, politics, politicians, several new technologies and countless hours in meetings with public officials, representatives of civil society, disability advocacy groups, I was struck, all of a sudden, by sheer happiness. I wasn’t expecting it; it happened all of a sudden.

After a long, hot day of monitoring the presidential primary elections for the Democratic Party, while I was conversing in the hallway of the voting center, I felt someone grab my arm from behind and say in Spanish “Usted es de Mexico verdad? Viene a ayudar a la Comision?” (You are from Mexico right? are you here helping the Commission?) I guess my accent gave me away. I turned and saw a cane and dark glasses. The man was clearly blind. I quickly responded “Si”. The tall, middle-aged man smiled and said “Estoy tan feliz el dia de hoy, por primera vez que hago algo por mi solo, y todo gracias a su trabajo duro” (I am so happy today, this is the first time I do something on my own and it is thanks to your hard work). Right then and there I felt a chill and a weird sensation in my fingertips. I was very happy. Our hard work had paid off. This gentleman was able to cast his vote for the presidential primaries on his own thanks to our efforts.

The man turned around as someone took his arm and lead him outside. He left with a big smile on his face. I know I can’t take credit for the Commission’s hard work, but that day, the hypothesis proved to be true at least in part, a Puerto Rican and a Mexican were among the happiest people that day. I look forward to continuing my work in Puerto Rico to continue testing this happiness hypothesis.

By Carlos Hinojosa, Electoral Cycle Specialist