Latino participation

The relevance of the Latino vote has been one of the most reported topics in this election cycle—in both English and Spanish. There is always talk about the numbers and the geography, which actually amount to little without a turnout at the polls.

Tomorrow is the day that the majority of Latino voters will cast their votes. Opinion polls show that interest in the presidential election has been growing in the community and increasing numbers of citizens are voting by mail—a good indicator of voter turnout.

Nonetheless, following the patterns of behavior from previous elections, a significant number of registered Latino voters will not vote. Whether disillusioned, uninterested, or lacking in motivation, they will not make the time to vote tomorrow.

Those citizens who do not vote are letting others make decisions for them. There is no escape from the dilemma of not voting, abandoning a right and a responsibility.

Moreover, time is running out to get informed so each of us can make the decision we consider correct and appropriate. Recommendations abound, but each voter is free to choose and cast their secret ballot.

There is not shortage of contrasts. In this election there is a marked difference between the vision of the present and future between President Obama and former Governor Romney. Today’s political polarization presents two very clear options.

At the state level, there are also plenty of sharp contrasts: the future of California is at stake. The lives of Californians will be impacted in a variety of ways depending on the results of the various propositions.

The importance of the Latino vote begins with each individual who takes the time to get informed and cast their ballot. Without this participation, we Latinos are just numbers dispersed across geography.