Monday, November 5, 2012

Latino Vote Will Hit High Watermark in Georgia

Latinos in Georgia are motivated to go vote this year.  GALEO and many Georgia Latino Vote 2012 volunteers across the entire state took the pledge to register new voters, volunteered countless hours at festivals, canvassing events and phone banking to drive Latino voter participation in Georgia further.  The Latino vote will likely hit a high watermark in Georgia.

Latinos were motivated for many reasons in Georgia.  Clearly, HB87 was an affront against the Latino community.  Many wanted to express their feeling about the legislation by voting.  Because of that sentiment, GALEO developed a scorecard on HB87 on www.GeorgiaVota.com so Latino voters would be informed and educated about who voted for and who voted against HB87, Georgia's version of the Arizona-style law.

Additionally, many voters expressed immigration reform as a reason to go vote.  People feel that many politicians in Georgia do not respect the Latino and immigrant communities' contributions to our state and felt that they wanted to be taken seriously.  Many are very committed to vote and will vote accordingly, they told us.

Lastly, many expressed hope for the 40,000 Georgia young immigrants who are eligible for President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).  Latinos felt strongly about this being a program that is a good short term solution while we work for comprehensive immigration reform and passage of the DREAM Act in Congress.  In fact, many DREAM'ers engaged in the efforts to turn out the Latino vote by sharing their stories and urging Latino citizens to register and to also vote.

After the polls close, we do believe this will be an historic election.  The Latino vote and the sleeping giant has awakened and the repercussions will be felt in Georgia and nationally.  Be a part of history and make sure YOU go vote and encourage others to do the same!  Su VOTO Es Su Voz!


1-888-54GALEO / 1-888-544-2536 or www.GeorgiaVota.com.

- Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO)



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