Latinos are among the groups less likely to vote - this campaign aims to change that

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder and County Clerk have inaugurated the “Let’s Get Every Vote In” campaign to encourage Latinos and voters of color to participate in the March 5th Primary.

The last day to vote in the California Primary election is March 5, which means vote-by-mail ballots must be delivered by the close of polls at 8 p.m. on that day. In addition, vote-by-mail ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day, and the county elections office must receive them by March 12. Voters are also encouraged to take advantage of California’s same-day voter registration, which allows people to register at vote centers, and then cast a provisional ballot. 

The “Let’s Get Every Vote In” campaign was announced at a press conference on February 13 at the Chinatown Branch Library. City officials and community partner organizations gathered to inaugurate the campaign and encourage people to cast their ballots. 

“In a county like Los Angeles County, with the rich diversity of our community, a successful election can only happen through partnerships with community organizations and through the outreach and education of people in our community and sharing information so that we make sure that every eligible voter has the information and the opportunity to cast a ballot in this election," said Dean Logan, the L.A. Registrar Recorder County Clerk. Logan was appointed Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk on July 9, 2008 and previously served as the Acting Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk and as Chief Deputy. 

Guaranteeing the best voter turnout is the north star of the “Let’s Get Every Vote In” campaign, something that, among Latinos, has been decreasing. According to a 2023 Public Policy Institute of California study, Latinos are the least likely to vote, even though they make up the largest racial and ethnic group statewide. Latinos account for only 25% of the state’s likely voters, despite making up 36% of the adult population statewide. 

“It is critical to elevate the voices of the families most impacted by policies and decisions made by our elected officials, which continue to create racial inequities,” said Ernie Serrano, integrated voter engagement organizer for Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE). “My work at SCOPE is focused on engaging voters and making sure they understand the importance of getting out to vote. We talk to voters at the doors and over the phone. Our goal is to make sure that voters feel empowered to have their voices heard at the ballot box.”

Logan said his office mailed ballots to every registered voter in LA County earlier this month. There's no postage required to mail back their voting ballots. “Those ballots are available in 18 languages in addition to English. If voters have received a ballot in English, but if they prefer to receive a ballot in one of those other 18 languages, we can assist them with that as well,” he said. 

Logan also reminds people of the importance of the primary elections, not only in a place like L.A. County but also statewide. He said some of the decisions voters will make can affect voters in places “closest to home.” 

“[In this primary,] we have everything from the open seat for the United States Senate to local city council contests, local school board races, and local ballot measures,“ he said. 

Rafael Fabian, who was born in Michoacan, Mexico, is one of the many new Latino voters who will participate in next month's elections. This will be the second time Fabian casts his vote. “After 26 years of hiding as undocumented immigrants, my wife and I adjusted our status through a family petition, and in 2021, after five years as a permanent resident, I applied and obtained my citizenship,” Fabian said. In his oath ceremony, he recalls receiving a voter registration. “I realized the importance of my duty as a citizen,” he said. 

Like many Latinos, Fabian confesses he is still learning about the electoral process in the U.S. As this is his second time voting, he feels a bit less nervous but extends his empathy to the many people who will be casting their votes for the first time. “With no knowledge of the process, I confess I was afraid to participate, insecure about how it all works and unsure of the steps to take. Additionally, I was afraid to be judged because of my political views, questioned, or attacked if I went to cast my vote in person… but I am certain how critical my civic participation is,“ he said. 

The “Let’s Get Every Vote In” campaign aims to elevate the people of color living in L.A. to feel comfortable going out and casting their vote. The county’s premiere election navigation tool (plan.lavote.gov) encourages all voters to quickly and conveniently check their registration status, update their information, change their party affiliation, or request a vote-by-mail crossover ballot.

Francisco Moreno, executive director of the Council of Mexican Federations in North America (COFEM), was also present at the inauguration of the campaign. “COFEM has long been involved in reaching out to Latino voters. We are dedicated to empowering immigrant communities to be full participants in the social, political, economic, and cultural life of the United States and of their home country,” Moreno said. 

Moreno said one of the organization's values is to develop a national agenda that addresses critical matters facing Latino immigrants in the United States and Mexico. “Through our get-out-of-vote efforts, we involve our communities in participating in local, state and federal elections. We know the only way to change things is through voting,“ Moreno said.

To learn more about your voting options on or before March 5, click here.