Organization Working To Register Valley Latino Voters
KTNV
KTNV ABC
Jul 14, 2008
Both Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama continue to go after one of the largest population of votes this November, Hispanics.
Both presidential candidates will court the Latino vote again this weekend at a conference in San Diego.
Candidates have a close eye on the state of Nevada and a large sector of the population living in the Valley.
Action News reporter Tania Reyes has more on the impact Hispanics are expected to have in this upcoming presidential election.
Latinos make up 10% of registered voters in Nevada and that number is expected to increase by the thousands through an organization actively working in Nevada.
"I feel like the Latino community is going to pick the next president and it is going to start here in Nevada," said Marco Rauda Dusa.
Members of the non-partisan organization called Democracia USA, meaning Democracy USA, have been working in Las Vegas registering Latino voters.
"The community has been amazing, they have embraced us," said Marco Rauda.
Marco Rauda, the Nevada coordinator, says so far this year the group has registered 3,500 Latinos to vote.
Organizers say by the general election they plan to register another 11,000.
"What we have to do is educate folks and help them see there is hope there are possibilities that the American dream is still alive and all they have to do is participate," said George Mursuli.
According to a recent study by Democracia USA, Latinos makeup 11% of the votes in Nevada.
Their main issues of importance are the economy, the Iraq War followed by immigration.
"They are worried and they want to make a difference especially for their family members," said Ana Laura Delavega.
Ana Laura Delavega canvases local neighborhoods talking to people about the Latino vote.
She says many people are worried about the future of this country and by learning about the Democratic process many are relieved there is something that can be done.
"I see the excitement in the faces like oh my goodness we can do this," said Ana Laura Delavega.
Stay tuned to Action News as we monitor developing news around the Valley.
