The Latino Youth Vote source: New America Media posted: Jan 8, 2008 "Combining Latino pop culture with new technologies, Voto Latino is reminding young Latinos across the country that they hold the power to influence the elections in 2008. 50,000 Latinos turn 18 every month in the United States, of which 92 percent are eligible to vote. Plus, 68 percent of all new youth voters are Latino." read the full article here

Commentary on Voto Latino and Latino Youth Vote
by Ricardo González

I have not seen this statistic of 68 percent of all new youth voters being Latinos before. If this is true, even I am surprised. Those numbers don't seem to play out correctly in light of the overall U.S. demographic (birth rate / age rate). Just doing some basic calculations I would say it may be 35 to 40% but I am open to seeing the statistics they have on this. Either way, it is a significant portion of the new electorate and there is a lot to be said for the influence of the present and future Latino vote.

So, they are saying that 46,000 Latino youth a month become eligible to vote. Very well. Let's can accept this figure or something around there. It makes sense with the overall demographic. I do not so readily accept that 68% of all new youth voters are Latinos as I mentioned.

Now, let's get to the main point here and that is how they are marketing the need to vote.

The concept of doing little mini-telenovelas to influence behavior is genius and this tactic should be considered by all candidates, and corporations for that matter. Latinos love these tele-novelas. They are emotional and dramatic. They allow you to tell a story through family characters that cannot be told in another way. That's why they are in prime-time, not relegated to daytime television.

I watched, "La Pasión de la Decisión." The Passion of the Decision. Notice the word "passion" and the associated emotion. The clip starts out with That 70's Show star, Wilmer Valderrama (Colombian) kick boxing. Something symbolic there about kicking someone in the chops? At the very least it depicts the emotion of anger and the need to get something done through hard work. Then it moves to a young couple kissing, then an attractive Latina holding up a couple of passionate tropical drinks, then... well, you can watch it here. A bit corny but the marketing point should be well taken.

Here's one thing to consider. Democrats are much more aggressive about registering Latino voters than Republicans. If the number is anywhere near 68% of new young voters that's a lot of voters to bring into the electorate without a serious discussion of ideology.

Think about it.

Adelante,


Ricardo González