Standing here, think about the color on your thumb after you vote. Where does that indelible ink come from? Producci\u00f3n de Tinta Indeleble is its birthplace. This is where the magic happens.
Producci\u00f3n de Tinta Indeleble is more than just a factory. It is a symbol of democracy in Mexico and beyond. For over 30 years, this facility has been producing the unique ink used in Mexican elections. The ink ensures fair elections. It also prevents people from voting more than once.
The famous ink is produced by the Biological Sciences Unit of the National Polytechnic Institute IPN. They collaborate with the Metropolitan Autonomous University UAM. Filiberto V\u00e1zquez D\u00e1vila invented the formula. He is a biochemist and professor at the Polytechnic. Since 1994, his ink has been used in national and state elections. V\u00e1zquez still oversees ink production every election cycle.
For the 2024 elections, Producci\u00f3n de Tinta Indeleble made 350,000 applicators. A team of 30 people works in a temporary factory at IPN. The production starts months in advance. Each applicator contains 15 milliliters of ink.
Why is this ink so special? It is almost impossible to remove. The pigment reacts with skin cells. This produces a color that only disappears as skin naturally sheds. Regular hand washing won’t remove the stain.
The formula is so effective that other countries use it too. El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic use this ink. It helps them ensure their elections are fair.
Each applicator has a security seal. This seal can only be opened on election day. The ink also has another secret. It can detect fake documents. The ink emits a special glow. It shows immediately whether a document is genuine.
Interestingly, the ink is also a biocide. It prevents the transmission of viruses like COVID-19. While not its primary purpose, this is an added benefit.
Filiberto V\u00e1zquez D\u00e1vila says the ink innovatively pigments DNA. It chemically combines with skin proteins. This ensures the mark lasts until new skin cells replace the old ones. The formula is a closely guarded industrial secret.
The INE distributes applicators to 300 electoral districts. Those districts then distribute them to over 170,000 polling places. Even Mexicans voting abroad receive this ink.
So, as you explore Mexico City, remember Producci\u00f3n de Tinta Indeleble. This place quietly ensures democracy. The next time you see that purple stain on your thumb, you’ll know its incredible story. You will understand its journey from this facility to your hand.