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.

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.

Volunteers count the ballots cast in a November 2010 referendum regarding mining licenses granted in the area of Huitán, a small municipality in Quetzaltenango. 6,758 residents in the predominantly Maya Mam municipality voted against mining projects while 30 voted in favor.