The Power of the Georgia Latino Vote
Published in Mundo Hispanico on 10/29/14.
By: Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of GALEO.
The Georgia Latino Vote (#GALatinoVote) is powerful and could make the difference this year in the 2014 midterm elections on Tuesday, November 4th. If Latinos turn out to vote, our voices will be heard and respected in our state and across the country. The time for our community to lift up our collective voice and vote is now.
Let’s look at why this is the case. In 2003, there were only 10,000 Latinos registered to vote in Georgia. By 2012, that number grew to over 184,000 Latino voters. In 2014, it is estimated that there are an estimated 220,000 Latino voters. In 2010, the Gubernatorial election’s margin of victory was by only 258,821 votes and that accounted for 53% of all votes cast.
This year, the elections for U.S. Senate and for Governor are much more competitive according to the polling. However, much of the polling does not reflect the Latino community views at all. The Latino vote in Georgia is being ignored in the polling, but could be decisive in the outcome of the election because of our size in the tight elections. It is estimated that the Latino vote is about 3% of Georgia’s electorate. Well, that small percentage could be the difference for the winning side, but only if we go vote.
Clearly, Latinos in Georgia care about the issue of immigration and immigration reform. Our vote this election cycle could determine next steps on this issue nationally and at our state level. The U.S. Senate and its control by either party hangs in the balance with Georgia playing a critical role in that. Because of the way Congress works, the U.S. Senate will have to vote on an immigration bill all over again. In addition, the Governor’s office has a lot to set the tone on how immigration policy in our state could play out, especially for Georgia DREAM’ers fighting to gain access to in-state tuition and access to Georgia’s top universities.
But Latinos also care about other issues, like continued economic opportunity, equal pay for women, fair wages and ensuring we have policies that protect our ability to care for our families without fear of losing our jobs. Many of these issues are also at stake both at the state level and nationally.
So, Latinos have many issues at stake. But, as Latinos, we do have the ability to shape the political discourse by showing up to vote. The Georgia Latino Vote is powerful and could be decisive in Georgia’s elections. When that happens, no one will ever disrespect our community ever again.
Su VOTO Es Su Voz! Let’s go vote and make history happen!
If anyone experiences any problems or issues on election day, please call us at 1-888-54GALEO.
For Spanish version on Mundo Hispanico, please follow this link:
http://mundohispanico.com/news/2014/oct/29/el-poder-del-voto-latino/