The group’s goal is to “empower the Hispanic community of Jefferson County through political engagement.”
PORT ARTHUR, Texas – Ahead of the Nov. 8, 2022 primary election, a southeast Texas group is lobbying for more people from the Hispanic community to register to vote in Jefferson County.
The Hispanic Proactive Coalition is hosting an event on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Place Garibaldi in Port Arthur.
The group’s goal is to “empower the Hispanic community of Jefferson County through political engagement such as voter registration, voter education, and voter participation,” according to the mission statement. on their website.
Hispanic voter turnout has been low in recent elections, according to Hispanic Proactive Coalition President Daniel Cruz. He hopes the event will encourage the Hispanic community to look forward to going to the polls.
“In our great country of America, we have the right and the privilege to vote, and so I think a lot of people come here to seek those kinds of rights and privileges, and so if you can do that, then I encourages you to get out and vote,” says Cruz.
Cruz attributes the low turnout and low registration numbers to confusion.
“There’s a tremendous amount of information being shared, but is it being shared in the right places? In the right places? And also, is there enough time in advance,” Cruz said. .
There will be bilingual voter registrars at Tuesday’s event to help potential voters register and provide education on the voting process.
“Easy access and again, encourage them and let them know that we will have bilingual staff on hand, so they can ask us questions in Spanish if that’s the language they feel most comfortable,” Cruz said.
To vote in the primaries, you must register at least 60 days in advance. The deadline for registration is October 11, 2022.