Non-partisan campaign encourages Latinos to vote in Arizona

PHOENIX (AZFamily)— Multiple organizations gathered Monday night in Downtown Phoenix to host a rally to encourage Arizona Latinos to vote.

It’s all part of a non-partisan campaign called Si Se Vota, Latino Loud.

“We often hear Latinos do not vote, and so we want to make sure we change that narrative,” said Alicia Nuñez, President and CEO of Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC). “We’re big on culture and we want to make sure that we create our environment and our culture to teach our children how important it is to vote.“

CPLC, The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Mi Familia Vota and UnidosUS were among the organizations that put on the rally.

“We want everyone to vote, but we’re particularly paying attention to young Latino voters because we’re trying to change behavioral patterns of Latinos,” said Joseph Garcia, the Executive Director for Si Se Vota CPLC Action Fund.

One study found that Arizona has the fourth-largest Latino voter bloc, at 1.3 million, making up a quarter of the state’s electorate.

However, even though Latinos register to vote, they don’t always cast their ballot.

“Latinos have not voted in the numbers and percentages that they should,” said Garcia. “They may not have seen a parent vote and may not understand the importance of voting, so if voting is not spoken in your house, you don’t pick that up.”

The campaign, which began a couple of years ago, aims to change that pattern by reaching out to eligible voters, especially younger ones.

“We’re not telling you how to vote. The important thing is that you learn about the issues, you see how they connect with your life, in your community and you vote,” said Garcia.

Janet Murguia, the President and CEO of UnidosUS, said she’s also hoping to encourage voters to participate in all city and state elections.

“We (UnidosUS) want to create a culture of being informed voters. We think, ultimately, that’s going to be the best way to have an impact in the future policies that impact our community,” Murguia said.

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