The town center of Uspantán, the evening before the referendum.

The night before the referendum, spiritual leaders led a traditional Maya ceremony.

A poster advertises the referendum.

Soldiers and riot police occupy the town center on the day of the referendum in Uspantán, El Quiché. Following negotiations with community leaders, the security forces were removed to a location away from the voting.

Maya K'iche' and Maya Uspanteko citizens vote in an October 2010 referendum in Uspantán, El Quiché. More than 25,000 residents voted to reject mining and hydroelectric megaprojects in the municipality.

Citizens line up in the town center to sign the document where their votes will be officially tallied.

A volunteer distributes posters advertising the referendum to residents of Uspantán.

A community leader addresses the gathered public.

Volunteers work after dark to tally the results of the referendum.