The Tomas Rivera Policy Institute estimates an increase of approximately 23% in the Latino voter turnout when compared to 2004. They attribute this to the naturalization of Latino immigrants as well as the “coming of age” of American Latino youth. The potential impact of a Latino voting bloc is particularly high in states with large concentrations of Latinos.

This is an exciting year, despite all the twist and turns we are seeing. New voters, especially young voters, are turning out in record numbers. Understanding the Latino vote has become a crucial part of each candidate’s strategy. Critical issues are on the table and our voices must be heard.

This is why in this election year, there are several Latino voter registration efforts taking place in key states that have a pivotal Latino electorate greater than 10% by several organizations.

Voto Latino is the preeminent non-profit / non-partisan organization empowering young Latino Americans. Co-founded in 2004 by Rosario Dawson, Voto Latino works to promote an enfranchised America by leveraging celebrity voices, the latest technology and youth themselves to promote positive change. Rosario is extremely passionate about this project and finds time between filming two forthcoming major budget films to publicize their efforts. Maria Teresa Petersen, the executive director has become the foremost visible expert on the Latino electorate, appearing on CNN, MSNBC and NPR with regularity.

Today, in a joint effort between several national Latino organizations – Mi Familia Vota, the NALEO Educational Fund, and the National Council of La Raza – and Spanish language media companies – Entravision Communications, impreMedia and Univision Communications Inc – launched a national comprehensive initiative, Ya Es Hora Campaign, to increase Latino civic participation in seven states – California, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas – by assisting eligible legal permanent residents to register to vote.

The Ya Es Hora Campaign is a historic non-partisan campaign that was launched as the Latino community’s action-oriented follow-up to the mobilizations of 2006. It is the largest and most comprehensive effort to incorporate Latinos as full participants in the American political process.

Registration deadlines are fast approaching, are you registered to vote?

It is time to have our voices heard, please register vote and challenge your friends and family to vote too. If you haven’t, I made it easy for you. Start by clicking the Voto Latino banner ad on my right sidebar to register to vote. This will take you to the Voto Latino web site where they make the voter registration process easy for you.

Voto Latino’s Public Service Announcement by Chingo Bling

Click here to view the embedded video.