Why Are Latinos Wasting Their Political Power?

Filed in archive Latin Issues on August 8, 2007

Latinos are wasting their political potential

Latinos don't have the luxury of taking a "manana, manana" approach when it comes to increasing their impact in the voting booth. Pivotal issues are being decided right now. If Latinos want their voice to be considered by lawmakers, they have to register and then vote.

During the immigration marches, many Latinos carried signs that said, "Today we march, tomorrow we vote." That's a wonderful sentiment, but it looks like you missed your "tomorrow," folks. (...)It's true some Latinos cannot vote because they are too young and others are not legal citizens. However, there are Latino citizens who can vote but don't. (...)

According to the Pew Hispanic Center, only 13% of the Hispanic population voted in 2006, and only 54% of Latinos who could have registered to vote, actually did so. In contrast, 39% of all caucasians and 27% of all African Americans voted in 2006.

The report also showed that among registered Latino voters, only 60 percent actually went to the polls. In comparison, 72 percent of registered whites and 67 percent of registered blacks cast ballots.

This is very, very bad. Latinos should vote, if they want to have some influence in the political decisions that will shape their future, and the future of their children. Why let in the hands of others, decisions that will profoundly affect our lives?

If we don't speak for ourselves, if we don't make sure that our voice will be heard, who will?

I highly recommend the article. It's an eye opener and a call for action; read it and think about it. Discuss it with your family and your friends. Latinos really are wasting their political potential, and it's time for a change.

Source: Hispanic Trending