On October 15, 2020 more than 75 alumni, students, faculty and staff joined the conversation, The Power of the Latinx Vote with a diverse panel of experts. This event hosted by the Cornell Latino Alumni Association, in partnership with Voto Latino and the Latina/o Studies included Sergio Garcia-Rios, assistant professor of Government and Latina/o Studies at Cornell University and director of polling for Univision News, Brianna Carmen, Director of Organizing and Partnerships for Voto Latino and Christian Romero ‘21, Sociology/Latina/o Studies. The event was moderated by Kety Esquivel '97, At-Large Board Member of the Cornell Latino Alumni Association.
Panelists discussed how voting is a fundamental right in our country, regardless of where the participants may fall on the political spectrum, or which candidate they might support. Brianna Carmen from Voto Latino discussed how folks could get involved and make a contribution to our democratic process and encouraged participants to volunteer with Voto Latino across the U.S. She also shared, how during this pandemic, part of individuals plans could include bringing a stylus to the polls. This way they don’t have to worry about physical contact.
The panelists concurred that COVID-19 would play a large role in the upcoming election, as it relates to the governments response and the impact it has had on the Latinx community. It might also deter folks from voting in person and may choose mail in ballot instead.
Christian talked about the many ways we could make a difference, beyond voting, including supporting organizations that are consistently doing work for marginalized groups, donating to different organizations, signing petitions, volunteering our time, and going to protests. He reminded us that the internet and social media make it easy to learn information and for all of us to find ways to create change.
Professor Garcia-Rios, talked about how despite our community’s diversity, he believes that the percentage of Latinx voters inclined to vote for certain candidates is pretty much set at this stage in the game, regardless of geographical region in the U.S., country of origin or even generations. In his opinion the question was not so much about changing people’s minds but rather who would turn out to vote. He provided a poignant call to action for the attendees, asking that all those who can vote, vote on behalf of those in this country who can’t, like Professor Garcia-Rios himself.
