FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2010
Contact:
Jackeline Stewart
(202) 785-1670
Anti-immigrant and anti-Latino sentiment has potential to drive Latinos to the polls
NCLR experts available to comment on 2010 Latino vote primer and midterm elections
Washington, DC—Latinos will undoubtedly play a key role in the 2010 midterm elections, especially in contested races in California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, and Illinois, according to Latino Voters and the 2010 Election: Numbers, Parties, and Issues, a brief released today by NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. The report is a comprehensive resource for members of the media, providing details on the likely Latino voter turnout, a profile of the Latino electorate, and an outline of Latino voter priorities.
Overall voter participation tends to be lower in midterm elections than in presidential elections. This also holds true for Hispanics, although they remain the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. electorate. While some factors—such as high unemployment levels, increasing foreclosure rates, and a lack of progress on comprehensive immigration reform—may have a dampening effect on Latino enthusiasm, polling and on-the-ground efforts are also finding that Latino concern over anti-immigrant and anti-Latino sentiment may prove powerful in driving Hispanics to the voting booths. Conservative NCLR estimates project that we could see an additional 700,000 Hispanic voters join the voting rolls this November.
“The clearest choice that Latino voters have this November is to vote for respect,” said NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía. “Our nation’s democracy is strongest when all voices are heard. That is why numerous nonpartisan initiatives, including NCLR’s, are partnering with the Hispanic community to urge voters to head to the polls next week as a step toward restoring Latinos’ long and proud history in America.”
Jobs and education have traditionally topped the list of Hispanic priorities; unsurprisingly, they remain there this year given the state of the economy. However, immigration has risen on the list of priorities as a result of an increasing anti-Latino environment. “This election offers Latinos an opportunity to take a stand for their community, sending the message that it is time to address our problems together, as a nation, and reject the politics of division,” said Murguía.
The following NCLR experts will be available to answer any questions or comment on the report and the Latino vote:
Eric Rodriguez, Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation
Clarissa Martínez De Castro, Director, Immigration and National Campaigns
Ellie Klerlein, Associate Director, National Campaigns
Laura Vazquez, Legislative Analyst, Immigration Policy Project
For more information on the Latino vote and NCLR’s Vote for Respect campaign, visit www.nclr.org/vote.
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