Latinx Voter Mobilization Organizations Join Efforts on Election Day in Florida
** PRESS ADVISORY **
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2022
CONTACT:
Jackie Elisa Smith | 989-576-1996 jsmith@poderlatinx.org
Latinx Voter Mobilization Organizations Join Efforts on Election Day in Florida
WHAT: Election Night Watch Party
WHO: Poder Latinx, UnidosUS, and Alianza Center
Featured Speakers
Carolina Wassmer, Florida State Program Director, Poder Latinx
Jared Nordlund, Florida State Director, UnidosUS
Melanie Emmanuelli, Executive Director, Alianza Center
WHERE: Simon Parrilla Bar and Grille, 1187 Florida Mall Ave, Orlando, FL 32809
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EST
ORLANDO - November 8th is Election Day, the last chance for eligible voters to cast their ballots in the midterm elections. Latinxs comprise 18 percent of the state’s registered voters, and more than 1.4 Million Latinxs in Florida are expected to cast ballots this November. Poder Latinx, UnidosUS, and Alianza will host a Latinx-style Election Night Watch Party to celebrate the work that the Latinx community in Florida has accomplished throughout the 2022 midterm election cycle. These three Latinx organizations are an integral part of the Latinx community in Central Florida, and trusted sources for voter registration and civic engagement efforts. Community members are invited to join the Election Night Watch Party to watch Florida’s election results along with trusted community leaders.
Carolina Wassmer, Florida State Program Director of Poder Latinx, said: “Election Day is the final opportunity for eligible voters to participate in our democratic process in this year’s midterm elections. Despite facing several obstacles for the Latinx voting bloc in Florida to reach its full potential, from voter suppression to electoral disinformation, Poder Latinx has mobilized Latinx voters and partnered with organizations doing the same with other communities of color. There is no greater tool than unity, which is why we organize at every level. The Latinx electorate will continue to strengthen, and Poder Latinx will continue to provide the necessary support and resources for every voter to cast an informed ballot. This is the last chance for voters to have an impact on the results of the election, what our democracy looks like, and who represents us. As polls close on Election Day, we urge every individual to make sure they have returned their mail-in ballot or make a plan to head to the polls, and remind all their friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.”
Jared Nordlund, Florida State Director of UnidosUS, stated: “The 2022 midterm elections reaffirmed that Hispanics played a decisive role in shaping Florida’s political landscape. Hispanic voters were a tipping point in critical races across Florida from statewide to local school board ones. This underlines the importance of reaching out and addressing the concerns of our community. Hispanics want to see real progress on critical issues. Still recovering from the disproportionate impact of the pandemic, inflation was top of mind for Hispanic voters and likely the top deciding factor in their vote, even when those supporting Republicans were generally not in tune with those candidates’ positions on gun violence, housing, healthcare and immigration. For anyone who cares about the most pressing issues facing the nation – from quality jobs, to gun safety, to climate change, to orderly immigration – greater Latino participation should be a welcome development and not stop on Election Day. UnidosUS will continue to work with its affiliates and community partners across Florida to strengthen our community voice in the hall of Congress and at the state capitol to hold elected officials accountable.”
Melanie Emmanuelli, Executive Director of Alianza, noted: “Spanish speaking voters in Florida are the largest, fastest growing part of the electorate, and this midterm election has proven, once again, how powerful the Latinx voting bloc is. A living wage, equitable housing, affordable healthcare, access to reliable public transportation and community safety are at the forefront of voters’ minds as they take to the polls. By meeting voters where they are, conducting site-based voter registration and hosting educational and cultural events, Alianza has been able to engage a large number of Latine voters in Central Florida on pressing issues including climate concerns and women’s reproductive rights. We are proud of the impact Alianza and local partners have made this cycle, and we look forward to continuing to move the needle and build power for our community beyond the 2022 midterm election.”
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Visit us online at www.poderlatinx.org
Poder Latinx’s mission is to build a political wave where Latinx communities, immigrants, and people of color are decision-makers in this country’s democracy.