In November of 2008, the United States will elect a new president. States and localities will elect public officials to represent them and give them a voice in the political dialog that decides what policies, what laws, and programs will pass. The right to vote is a relished right and the cornerstone of democracy. It is a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution to all U.S. citizens (U.S.-born or naturalized) over the age of 18.

Voting is also a powerful tool in civic engagement and participation.

Through voting, each individual exercises their right to voice their opinion about how their government should do its job. We elect officials and in doing so we are part of the decision-making process that shapes government.

Why is voting important? Does your vote really matter? Is one elected official really different from another? The answer to all those questions is YES. Voting is particularly important to Latinos, who have historically been significantly underrepresented in elections. With the growing Latino population (14% of the U.S. population, and growing rapidly in Kentucky and other Midwestern states), the heated immigration debate, and the current economic downturn, this year stands as a key opportunity to make the voice of Latinos heard and to put our demographic power to work.

To date, Latinos are disproportionately underrepresented in the voting population of the U.S., voting in percentages lower than African-Americans and whites. One big reason for low-voter representation in the Latino population is low voter registration. It is estimated that only about 54% of voter-eligible Latinos are actually registered to vote. That is, almost half of Latinos eligible to vote cannot because they failed to register. You must be registered in order to vote.

Not participating in the electoral process, weakens democracy by excluding key voices from the conversation. Because voting is particularly low in communities of color and low-income communities, the concerns, needs, and perspectives of these more vulnerable populations are less audible and therefore less represented by elected officials. It is the job of elected officials to represent those who voted them into their job; to be represented we have to vote.

Voting is also a way to unite Latinos from various countries by providing a Pan American voice to an otherwise very heterogeneous population.

This year, plan to make a difference in your life, in your community, and in our shared future. Start now by registering to vote. Learn about the candidates, national, state, and local, and learn about the issues. Election Day is November 4, 2008. This year, the growing and increasingly influential Latino vote can make a difference in some very important decisions.

As a community we can make a difference by becoming more involved in the civic process, by becoming active in advocacy, by learning about the policies and issues that affect our lives and those of our children, and by communicating with elected officials. Latinos occupy an important space in United States history, in its economy, its richness, and its future. Let’s have a voice in what the future holds for all of us.

To Register to Vote:

You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the state where you will be voting, and 18 years of age on the day of Elections.

You can register to vote and get information about voting at the Urban Government Center on 810 Barret Avenue, Louisville, 502-574-6463

In Indiana, you can register in

1) Clark County Circuit Court Clerk

501 E. Court Ave.

Jeffersonville, IN 47130

2) Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk

311 W. 1st St., Rm. 235

New Albany, IN 47150

3) Harrison County Circuit Court Clerk

Courthouse, Room 203

300 N. Capitol Ave. Corydon, IN 47112