Be a NAHREP Voter

Celebrating NAHREP familia, cultura, politics, and grassroots action

July 7, 2022

Qué onda mi gente?!

Happy 4th of July, familia! I hope all of you enjoyed some quality family time, delicious food, sun, and fireworks on this year’s beautiful 4th of July weekend. I had my entire family together this weekend. My sister flew in from Boston, and both my little niece and nephew, Isa and Mateo, were together. It was a blast.

But, as my family usually does, we embarked on some passionate debates about the state of the country, our democracy, and what we can expect from the future leadership of the next generations. Trust me, I know it’s so easy to get pessimistic, disillusioned, and just plain jaded when it comes to the current polarization and extremism of our current political culture. But, loving this country is defending the ideals of representative democracy. And to do that, the most important thing we can do is VOTE.

Four years ago, we created the #NAHREPVOTES campaign. You might have seen the hashtag at NAHREP events or on social media. The intention behind the #NAHREPVOTES campaign is based on the premise of the NAHREP 10, Discipline 7: Be politically savvy, because public policy matters. We are the largest Latino business organization in the country. We are powerful. But, that power comes from being organized and showing the nation that we vote, we pay attention, and we hold our elected officials accountable. That is at the core of where our power is.

Be a NAHREP Voter

If you haven’t registered to vote, or are unsure about your registration status, it’s time to get ready. Midterm elections are this November. Here are some tips to help you get ready to vote and to be informed when election season rolls around.

1. Register to vote and check your registration status. You can find information on how to register, check your registration status, request an absentee ballot, and get election reminders. Find out information about when your early voting period starts and what’s on your ballot. Don’t wait to register or check your status.
2. Make sure that everyone around you is registered to vote. Make a list of about 10 people in your life who you will make sure not only is registered to vote, but who you will ensure actually votes this year.
3. Start researching your elected officials! Don’t just become aware of the U.S. Senate candidates or gubernatorial candidates that are getting a ton of air time. Get to know your city council members, your mayors, and your state representatives. Where do they stand on housing?
4. Attend local events. Show up to community events where local candidates will be gathering. There is no better way to get to know your local elected officials, and network with the community, than attending an event. This includes summer community fairs put on by your city.
5. Engage your children. Teach your children how to research candidates and decide who to vote for. Ask them for their opinion. Have a respectful debate that gets your children thinking analytically. With a median age of 30, Latinos are young. But young people have the lowest rates of voter turnout. This means we have to ensure that we create a culture of voting and engagement within our next generation. It’s up to us.

This is your power, mi gente. Don’t take it for granted.