Charlie Crystle Blog: Latino Voters

June 14, 2004

Latino Voters

In Pennsylvania. Latino Americans make up a very small percentage of the population--around three percent. Three percent can swing a close election--if all of them vote. But only about 50% of all people are registered, and only 50% of registered voters actually make it to the polls. And only about 15% of registered Latinos turn out on election day in Pennsylvania. Why are the numbers so low?

One theory I've heard from some Hispanic friends is that in Pennsylvania--especially outside of Philadelphia--Latinos do not feel like they are a part of the community in which they live. Another theory is they don't identify with the candidates, so they don't bother voting. An interesting statistic is that Puerto Rico has about 80% turnout among resident Puerto Ricans.

In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party--not the local parties, but the statewide organization--is not the most nurturing organization in the world. In fact, it can be a completely stupid bully, ineffective even in its application of brute force. Instead of recruiting decent candidates statewide and supporting democratic processes, they've taken up what the Republicans do--attempting to clear the decks for ther preferred candidates, using the lame excuse that democracy doesn't serve the fundraising interests of their top choices, as if their choices should be the people's choice. I've experienced this personally. But support of democracy is only part of the stupidity.

I spoke with a friend of mine who is a prominent leader in Pennsylvania's Latino community. This friend has gotten the cold shoulder from the state party about attending the Democratic convention in July. They won't confirm whether or not my friend is a delegate, and they won't return calls. The funny thing is (funny in that its completely stupid and embarassing to even have to talk about), the Governor called my friend and offered the spot. The idiots in the party below him, though, seem to think it's ok to insult Latino leaders, and keep giving my friend the run-around.

Is it any wonder Latinos don't vote? The party only wants their votes, not their representation, not their leadership, not their energy and ideas. Just their votes, for their hand-picked candidates.

Idiots.

Posted by Charlie Crystle at June 14, 2004 07:32 AM | TrackBack

"in lancaster (and this is partly rumor) i've heard that the priests/religious leaders in the heavily hispanic neighborhoods teach the people that registering Democratic is a sin and they'll go to hell if they do."

If this can be proven, then I believe that church is in legal jeopardy for losing its religious, non-profit status for becoming politically active. That is the way it should be, and I hope this gets pursued, however unlikely in this area and in these times!

Posted by: Neil at June 18, 2004 03:39 PM

Great blog! A good read, and yes, I "get" it. The extensive cross-referencing is a little scary, though, albeit impressive. Anyway, reply with your actual email address, since I can't respond to your last note as is. -bliss ;-)

Posted by: R at June 16, 2004 08:12 PM

The Catholic Church has been on a crusade, so to speak, to get Catholics to vote against politicians who don't whare the Catholic view of the world. But it's shameful that the Democratic Party is so terrible in their patronizing treatment of Latinos.

Posted by: Charlie at June 15, 2004 06:26 PM

in lancaster (and this is partly rumor) i've heard that the priests/religious leaders in the heavily hispanic neighborhoods teach the people that registering Democratic is a sin and they'll go to hell if they do. They parrot this mainly toward children.

i don't know if that effects turnout. and like i said it's partly rumor i've picked up in my time out here.

Posted by: terry at June 15, 2004 11:43 AM