November 7, 2016
November 8th is a pivotal date in the political life of the United States. We Hispanics living in this country must understand that by casting our vote in the elections, we are not only fulfilling a civic duty that we cannot shirk, but we are also demonstrating our power and influence as a community by sending a clear message with our vote that we deserve respect.
Another vital aspect to consider is that we must go out to vote with knowledge and responsibility regarding our decision. We cannot approach the ballot box without knowing who we are voting for or why we are voting for or against certain legislative proposals. We must be well-informed and learn about each candidate’s platform because these are issues that directly affect us.
In the upcoming US presidential election, it’s estimated that around 27 million Latinos are eligible to vote. However, it’s projected that only 13 million will actually go to the polls. Dreaming is free, but how wonderful it would be to make it a reality if we turned out in massive numbers on November 8th to vote, to make the decision to make a real difference, and to make our voices heard, both in words and in deeds.
The only «language» politicians understand, respond to, and fear is the vote. With a massive turnout, we will not only stop the opportunist Trump, but we will also send a clear message to the entire country through our vote.
Likewise, politicians, all of them power-hungry, even those who appear charming and full of promises, will have all the respect we deserve. And from that moment on, those aspiring to any political office will have to think very carefully before saying a word or passing a law that affects our community. Why? Because we will be a community with electoral power, with millions of Latinos exercising one of the most fundamental rights: the right to vote.
Reports reveal that there are nearly 53 million Latinos living in the United States. Projections indicate that this total will increase to more than 86 million by 2035 and to nearly 128 million by 2060. It is good that our community is growing, but this growth must be accompanied by better education, improved political representation, and greater voter participation.
If political apathy wins on November 8th, if we are won over by «I can’t go, I don’t have time, let others vote for me,» then we shouldn’t complain about our future and that of our children.
Friends, through our vote we will elect the next President of this country, our political representatives, and the laws that will govern us. This is a great opportunity, let’s not waste it! Yes, we can, and let’s vote!
For this reason and much more, we must sound the alarm for the «Sleeping Giant» – it’s time to wake up!
