Despite increases in 2020, two demographics continue to lag in voter turnout: youth voters, and the Latino or Hispanic demographic. US Census reports show that in 2020, Hispanic voter turnout was 54% (compared to 59% of Asian voters, 63% of Black voters, and 71% of Whites). For citizens ages 18-34, 57% voted in 2020, up from 49% in 2016, but still much lower than the 69% of voters In the 35-64 age group who turned out, or the 74% of voters in the 65 and older age group who did so in the 2020 general election.

To help address these demographic disparities, LWVNCC's Norma Ivonne Antongiorgi is spearheading a project to reach out to young Latino/Latina voters in Delaware. The project has received a small grant from LWVUS and will be a collaborative effort with area schools and universities, the Votamos/We Vote Coalition, and the Delaware Hispanic Commission.

Be Their Voice!

Submitted by Ivonne Antongiorgi, Latin Youth Voter Engagement Chair

"Be Their Voice!" was the theme of a Latino Youth Voter Registration event at the University of Delaware on March 18, 2022. 

Sponsored by the HOLA student organization and co-sponsored by the LWV of New Castle County in partnership with Votamos/We Vote Coalition, the event had Rony Baltazar as the keynote speaker. A son of immigrant parents, he encouraged students to elevate the voices of those who cannot vote, to be the “voice of the voiceless” when they vote. His message centered on some of the core values of the Latino culture: family, community, and being of service. 

Participants at the Be Their Voice! a Latino Youth Voter Registration event at UD

One UD student, a DACA recipient and now a resident, made a brief presentation about the difficult journey from Mexico she endured as a child with her parents and her dreams of going to college. She asked students not to take the right to vote for granted and to think about people like her who cannot vote.

Rony Baltazar with LWV's Marj Johnson

Mr. Baltazar encouraged students to reach out to organizations like the League of Women Voters, Votamos/We Vote, and the Delaware Hispanic Commission, who are advocating for the Latino community. Inclusion and civic engagement is key in this process. Rony Baltazar recently became the Vice-Chair of the Delaware Hispanic Commission and their Youth Development program, is a member of the Board of Education of the Milford School District, and the Director of Policy and Communications at the Delaware Department of State.

This project also encompasses voter registration tables on the UD campus two additional dates: April 6 and 13, 2022.

Additional Events

The LWVNCC Latino Youth Outreach project plans additional outreach events this year at locations such as Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC), Goldy Beacom, Wimington University, and the Latin American Community Center.

In addition to registering voters in underrepresented demographics, the project aims to build relationships, share stories, and encourage civic engagement.