Activating the growing power of the Latino vote in Minnesota

In 2023, our organizing theory yielded the first results. After 20 years and in collaboration with other organizations, we successfully advocated for the privilege to drive for undocumented members of our community. This policy change, along with others enacted in the 2023-24 legislative session, will have a profound impact on both the Latino community and all immigrant communities in Minnesota. It stands as a testament to the fact that mobilizing and voting can help us achieve our mission.

Before I became one of COPAL’s founders, I initially doubted that the electoral system could serve as a tool for system change. I became a U.S. citizen in 1998 and, for several years, voted occasionally. The attention voters receive during elections followed by the disconnect afterward reinforced my skepticism. Eventually, however, after feeling powerless and unable to challenge the language used by conservative politicians describing my community, I began activating myself in electoral politics. As I started voting regularly, I realized that my vote alone was not enough to counter anti-immigrant narratives much less to provoke meaningful system change. Eventually, I connected the dots: Real change comes from collective vision and action. Voting as a bloc that aligns with our values can pave the way for systemic change and, ultimately, a better life for our community.

So, why does this election matter? This year, issues that directly affect our communities are on the ballot. Immigration reform, the economy, health care, education, jobs and more. These are realities that shape our daily lives. Our votes are our power. They are how we protect our families, our future and our community. Every vote cast by a Latino in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Iowa is a vote for a stronger, more representative democracy. It is a vote for leaders who understand our challenges and will fight for the issues we care about.

Francisco Segovia is the executive director of COPAL, an organization based in Minneapolis that advocates to improve the lives of the Latino community in Minnesota.