Ready, Set, Vote!

November is coming and with it a great opportunity for you and I to make a difference. It is that time of year when elections take place all across the country and never before has there been more at stake for all of us, in particular for Hispanic youth and their future. Would you agree?

Although this is not a presidential election year, it is still extremely important. These are Congressional elections and, still, in order for our petitions and needs to be taken into account, we need to show that we count.

Everyone talks about the Hispanic Community and compares it to a sleeping giant. We need to wake up that giant, together. Election Day is the perfect day for the alarm to go off and for our community to show that it, indeed, is awake. The Church talks about youth as being not the future, but the present. In order for youth to make that a valid statement, they need to show that they are ready for that challenge, ready to contribute actively to the life of the Church, of their communities, of their nation and of the world.

We are at a crossroads and our community needs us more than ever. In order for the DREAM Act and a Comprehensive Immigration Reform to take place, we need to show that we count. Are you willing to do your part?

So how have Hispanic young people fared in Election Day in past years? Here is the fact: “Hispanic youth are the least likely to report registering to vote and actually voting in both presidential and nonpresidential election years. In 2008, 52 percent of black youth and 44 of white youth reported voting, compared with 27 percent of Hispanic youth.” (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey.)

This is an appalling statistic, if you ask me. How do you feel?

Election Day is November 2nd and my question for you is, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Here is what you can do:
1. If you are a US citizen, register to vote and come out to vote on November 2nd.
2. If you have been a legal resident for more than 5 years, and you are over 18, become a citizen.
3. If you are unable to vote for any reason, find someone who can vote, and ask them to vote, for you.
4. If you are any of the above, come out and volunteer. There are plenty of opportunities to help. Find a community organization to help register people to vote, visit or call voters to remind them about Election Day, volunteer on Election Day to make sure every registered voter in your community comes out to vote, and helping legal residents become citizens by volunteering at citizenship workshops in your community.

Your contribution on any of the above today will make a huge difference tomorrow. Voting is a privilege and a responsibility. If you have that privilege, take advantage of it, and if you don’t, you can still help others by reminding them of their privilege and responsibility.

A very wise man once told me that the biggest sin of the 21st century was indifference, and I believe it to be true. The day when everyone is able to see the needs of those around them, not through what makes sense in their mind, but through the heart, then we will all be able to build a better society and a better world for everyone.

So, are you indifferent or will you be part of the change? How would you contribute to your community this Election Day? Do you see other ways to contribute and make a difference? I appreciate and welcome your comments.