The Latino vote

There seems to always be talk of the importance of the Latino vote during every recent election. In this case, however, it is not only an expression of desire, but a palpable reality. Hispanics have joined in the general enthusiasm inspired by next Tuesday’s presidential election because they want to be part of the national debate to resolve the serious problems facing our country.

As a first step, Latino citizens have registered to vote in record numbers. The political events of recent years have motivated them to take a leading role in the political process rather than watching from the sidelines. The intense campaign to register new voters launched by a coalition of organizations and media—including La Opinión—have borne fruit by increasing the potential Latino vote from 7.6 million in 2004 to probably close to 10 million this year.

At the same time, several battleground states in the presidential contest have high Latino populations. For example, in the states of Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Nevada, Hispanic voters can provide the margin to carry one of the presidential candidates to victory.

The independent nature of the Hispanic vote, in that it is not wed to any political party or ideology, also makes it prized by the candidates, since its weight can tip the balance for the winner.

The image of the Latino vote has long been one of a "sleeping giant." Today that is relegated to the distant past. Hispanics are more awake than ever and looking to make their mark at the polls this year.

There seems to always be talk of the importance of the Latino vote during every recent election. In this case, however, it is not only an expression of desire, but a palpable reality. Hispanics have joined in the general enthusiasm inspired by next Tuesday’s presidential election because they want to be part of the national debate to resolve the serious problems facing our country.

As a first step, Latino citizens have registered to vote in record numbers. The political events of recent years have motivated them to take a leading role in the political process rather than watching from the sidelines. The intense campaign to register new voters launched by a coalition of organizations and media—including La Opinión—have borne fruit by increasing the potential Latino vote from 7.6 million in 2004 to probably close to 10 million this year.

At the same time, several battleground states in the presidential contest have high Latino populations. For example, in the states of Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Nevada, Hispanic voters can provide the margin to carry one of the presidential candidates to victory.

The independent nature of the Hispanic vote, in that it is not wed to any political party or ideology, also makes it prized by the candidates, since its weight can tip the balance for the winner.

The image of the Latino vote has long been one of a "sleeping giant." Today that is relegated to the distant past. Hispanics are more awake than ever and looking to make their mark at the polls this year.

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