The Latino vote will be a decisive factor in the next elections. Statistical data at state and national level show that the Latinos are the most numerous minority in the country. If the Latino population decides to become a political power it could change the destiny of the communities, the state and even the entire nation. Doing it, it would be changing its own destiny as well.

Even though we have covered this topic extensively before we’d like to insist once more because the privilege of having access to vote is a power that must be utilized in order to have a more ample participation in the political life of the country one have chosen to belong to.

To complain about the situation within the communities and all the states of the Union will not change anything. But the vote of every Hispanic, oriented toward his more urgent needs can change the political landscape of the country.

To reiterate, the Hispanic vote in the next elections has great importance because, having experienced quantitative growth, the Hispanics have become a power with the capacity to alter the present and future reality. The vote of each person is his own opinion. It is the opportunity to express what one wants. It is also a right all have the duty to exercise.

Politically, the Latinos must represent themselves and have a voice in the discussions and the decision affecting them.

The profile of the political campaigns in the country, at every level, is oriented to capture the Latino vote simply because the Latino vote can decide the result of the elections as never before. The Hispanics can change the course of history because they are a human mass united by the same race, the same language and have needs and desires in common.

All, as immigrants, to various degrees, have struggled and suffered to adapt themselves to this culture, to learn the Anglo-Saxon language and to be accepted with certain dignity within a society that is not always egalitarian.

The time has come to acknowledge the power the Latinos have in their hands and begin to acquire the political maturity that would allow them to use it wisely.

The challenge at hand must be accepted without allowing compliments and empty promises— that have been heard for decades and never became facts— become a convincing feature.

The Hispanics are not happy with the governments they have, not at any level. They know they deserve better.

Traditionally, the politicians have not paid attention to the issues of more importance within the Latino communities; matters like education, housing, access to healthcare programs and worthy sources of employment.

The Latinos cannot continue being invisible, particularly being so numerous. They are eager for changes and can promote them through the vote. They must consolidate their efforts and become conscious of the responsibility they have toward themselves.

As a first step, committees must be created within the communities, in all towns and cities, to motivate the people to register to vote. And electoral-educational campaigns must be initiated before unscrupulous politicians try to conquer naïve Hispanics they never cared for and become suddenly attractive because they could vote.

Everybody knows that in a near future the Anglo-Saxons will not be the majority in this country. A plurality of minorities, among which the most numerous will be Latino, will be majority.

Starting now the message must be spread. We can improve our destinies. Yes, we can!