Latino Civic Leaders Unite to Promote and Protect the Vote

HOUSTON, TEXAS - A coalition of new, professional Latino civic leaders from established non-profit organizations have united to celebrate the right to vote by organizing Tacos & Votes, a free community gathering and march to the ballot on Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Bayland Park located at 6400 Bissonnet Street.

Organizers are motivated by concerns over low voter turnout, the voter ID/voter suppression controversy, and lack of community access to information. It is necessary to bring our community together to fully participate in the American political process to make our voices heard at the polls and develop a vibrant culture of Latino voting.

Bayland Park serves as a family-friendly setting in the "Latino  opportunity"  City  Council District  J,  as well as a polling location for early voting in the May primary elections. Deputy voter registrars will be present to register citizens eligible to vote and distribute bilingual voter guides. Demonstrations on how to use the E-Slate voting machines will be done by volunteers. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided along with mariachis and activities for kids. Strictly a non-partisan effort, voters and candidates of all affiliations in Harris County are encouraged to attend.

Event Schedule

10:00 a.m.  - Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Neighborhood Canvassing

12:00 p.m.  - Family GOTV Barbeque

12:30 p.m.  - Community Dialogue
1:00 p.m.    - PinŽata with a Purpose
1:15 p.m.    - Press Conference
1:45 p.m.    - March to the Ballot
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Voting and Wrap-up

Increased Latino population has not translated into proportional voting or political representation; however, a new and vibrant Latino culture of civic engagement is emerging to affirm its presence in the political process. This targeted effort will raise awareness and get out the vote.

Participants in the consortium of non-partisan groups and individuals: Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha (FIEL), Greater Houston Civic Coalition, Latino Giving Houston, League of Women Voters of the Houston Area, Mexican-American Bar Association of Houston (MABAH), Mi Familia Vota, NALEO Educational Fund, National Hispanic Professional Organization (NHPO), NHPO Leadership Institute, Texas League of Young Voters Education Fund and the UNO Project.