12 Million Latinos to Cast Ballots in 2012

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund (link to site) projects that due to an estimated 50,000 Latinos turning 18 each month, 12.2 million Latinos will be voting in the upcoming Presidential election.

“While the Latino vote continues to increase with each Presidential election, much work needs to be done to fully engage Latinos in our country’s electoral process,” said NALEO Executive Director Arturo Vargas. “In 2008, 19.5 million Latinos were eligible to vote, but half did not cast ballots, because they were not registered or did not turn out. The Latino electorate must make faster progress if America’s democracy is to thrive.”

Mr. Vargas believes that the Latino vote will increase 26% from 2008, where 9.7 million votes were casted. According to NALEO, this is due to an estimated 50,000 Latinos turning 18 each month.

At least one out of five voters will be Latino in key states such as California, New Mexico, and Texas.
“Both presidential candidates and political parties must actively work to engage Latino voters and address the issues they care about,” said Mr. Vargas. “This electorate has shown that it cannot be taken for granted by either party. Campaigns must enhance their strategies to reach all Latino voters, both native-born and naturalized. Latinos played a key role in the 2008 election; they will determine who is sworn in on January 20, 2013.”

[Photo By kristin_a]

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