Effort to increase Latino voter turnout

Chicanos por la Causa and UnidosUS are teaming up for an effort to increase Latino voter turnout this year. Horizonte host Jose Cardenas spoke with UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía about the effort.

Murgía explained why the road to White House runs through the Latino community, “There’s no doubt that we have seen a growth in the increase of Latino voters in the last 10 to 15 years. UnidosUS has been a big part of leading that voter registration effort, and we have had tremendous success, other organizations have also taken that lead, and as a result, we are seeing now, based on the last two elections, the last presidential and midterm election, where we have seen a very large spike and increase in Latino voters, and in particular in key states, swing states like Arizona, and so as we look at the upcoming election here in November – Nov. 3, we’re seeing all eyes on Arizona as also a key indicator of how this election may turn out, but more importantly, I think we’re also seeing that the Latino vote will be determinative not just in the presidential election, but in down ballot elections.”

Murgía also thinks that Latino voters will play a huge roll in Arizona’s Senate race as well, “We have a senate race in play here in Arizona, and there’s no question that the margin of victory will be determined by the amount of voters that are in play, based on the Latino vote.We see that as a key, crucial determining factor, and we also understand and know that the state legislature, whether it’s the house or senate, and if that happens, it will be the result of turnout in our community – in the Latino community. So a lot of focus to grow the number of our community who are registered, and we have seen a big increase in that, but more importantly, to now make sure we’re mobilizing all of those who have registered to vote to make sure that they do go and vote, but we have factors that could be concerning for folks, including the pandemic.”