By: Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of GALEO
Monday, April 25, 2016
This election cycle, Latinos and millennials in Georgia have the opportunity to be the change that they would like to see in their communities. These two voting blocks historically vote at rates much lower than the average population and some officials in Georgia are counting on that to remain true. The political power that rests within these groups has the potential to make races competitive in certain areas of the state where an incumbent usually runs unopposed.
Why should these groups register to vote and turnout in all elections? The answer is simple. These are two of the fastest growing demographics in the Atlanta region and in the country as a whole. If they don’t stand up for themselves and flex the political muscle that they have, their needs and concerns will be ignored for the foreseeable future. It’s time that we take charge of our communities and step up to the plate. As Latinos, we owe it to our communities, to our undocumented brothers and sisters and to future generations to vote and create a better place for them to succeed.
Exercise your right as a U.S. citizen by registering to vote for the May 24th primaries. It is a citizen’s responsibility to cast their vote not only for themselves but for everything they represent. Get informed on the different candidates and parties running for this year’s elections. There are also many Latinos and Latinas running as well.
It is important to choose a party before heading to the election polls as you will be choosing a representative for your party. The winners from the May 24th elections will go on to represent the party at the November 4th election. Some of the elected positions you will decide on May 24th do not have opposition in November, so the election in May decides who gets elected.
Finally, you should know that your vote does make a difference. For example, consider the previous elections for mayor in Franklin Springs and Royston in Franklin County Georgia. Both of these town’s mayoral races ended up in a tie in 2009 and their fate was in the hands of one vote. Mayor Brian James won 119 to 118 in Franklin Springs, and Mayor David Jordan won 225 to 224 in Royston. The tie in Franklin Springs was due to a malfunction in the ballot scanner, but the tie in Royston was broken by a man who casted a provisional ballot after getting the necessary identification made. Never doubt the power that you have to make a difference and register to vote by the deadline of Tuesday, April 26th.
Have you moved recently? Then you should also update your information online today to ensure you are able to vote in the May 24th primary elections.
If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you should register by mail and include a copy or your naturalization certificate or a U.S. passport that proves both identity and U.S. citizenship.
To register to vote online, please go to www.GALEO.org and click on the icon at the top left corner of the website. Questions about voting? Please call us at 1-888-54GALEO.