Latino Voters Are Tired of Dating…We’re Ready for a Commitment

*The gist of the piece: “Parties, candidates, donors, and funders need to focus on making Latinos full participants in our democracy for the years to come, not just in the 2016 election.” The idea: Latino voting power shouldn’t be just about this election. VL

By Arturo Vargas, The Aspen Institute (3.5 minute read)

The eligible Latino electorate is expected to reach 27.3 million this November, growing more than any other voting group since 2008. With its growing size, the Latino vote has become increasingly influential in deciding state and local races, even flipping states’ longstanding partisan alignment.

Latinos are shaping America’s political landscape across the nation and will have a key say in electing the next President of the United States this November. History has shown us that candidates who choose to ignore the political power of the Latino community do so at their own peril.

With so much to gain from attracting Latino voters, why do political parties and candidates continue to shy away from establishing real and meaningful relationships with them? Given the numbers, the Latino electorate is deserving of a long-term commitment rather than a last second appeal right before Election Day.

Latinos are savvy and sophisticated voters, and they know the difference. READ MORE

Arturo Vargas, executive director of Naleo Educational Fund,recently contributed to the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program convening and report on Latino civic engagement, “Unlocking Latino Civic Potential: 2016 and Beyond” focusing on voting and the 2016 election. Vargas explains the national imperative for making long-term investments in mobilizing and including the Latino community in all aspects of American political life.