/ Modified oct 12, 2018 5:15 p.m.

Obstacles to Mobilizing the Latino Vote

Political scientist Lisa Sanchez on some of the challenges with turnout.

A statewide push to register more voters for the midterm election included outreach in Latino communities. Organizers for Mi Familia Vota told Arizona Public Media the group exceeded its target in Pima County and registered 10,000 new voters. While it potentially signals that the Latino vote is in play this November, political scientist Lisa Sanchez explained some of the obstacles that hinder turnout.

"The Latino community is very young. … We're talking about a very young population that is sort of prone to non-voter habits," Sanchez said. "Coupling it with the youth vote makes it even more sort of a non-voting population."

Sanchez said the best indicator if someone will vote is if they're mobilized. Since the last election, Latina mothers and grandmothers have emerged as strong mobilizers in their communities, according to Sanchez. "This is a really good indicator they're starting to take ownership of the socialization process for getting voters out."

Sanchez is an assistant professor at the University of Arizona School of Government and Public Policy.

Arizona 360
Arizona 360 airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on PBS 6 and Saturdays at 8 p.m. on PBS 6 PLUS. See more from Arizona 360.
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