Getting Hispanics to vote

US Census figures show that in 2004 Hispanics voted at a much lower rate than other groups.

In 2004, turnout rates for citizens were 67 percent for non-Hispanic whites, 60 percent for blacks, 44 percent for Asians and 47 percent for Hispanics (of any race). These rates were higher than the previous presidential election by 5 percentage points for non-Hispanic whites and 3 points for blacks. By contrast, the voting rates for Asian and Hispanic citizens did not change.

The WCV Institute shows a 19.1% turnout for the Hispanic voting age population in 2002 when Tony Sanchez ran for governor.

An El Paso group, Adelante con Ganas, is working to improve turnout rates.

However of those surveyed - more than 60% are not registered to vote. Additionally, many people simply don't know how to vote. Working to change El Paso's dismal voter turnout record is Adelante con Ganas - whose slogan "You Vote - We win" has begun to spring up all over town.

Check the Newspaper Tree for Adelante con Ganas press releases like this one.