Can Racist Laws Spur Latino Political Participation?

It’s an interesting question being posed in a story by Julián Aguilar in a story about Texas’ own version of Arizona’s SB 1070, which was SB 9 and ultimately died in the legislature. Because a lot of action was organized in opposition to these laws, the idea is that such activism can translate politically in 2012. Do you think? Here’s a snippet:

The contentious sanctuary cities legislation debate left a bitter aftertaste for some Latinos, but whether it translates into change at the ballot box next year may depend on how much they remember about one of the state’s most controversial bills.

The legislation, which many critics saw as a watered-down version of Arizona’s more draconian anti-immigrant law, SB 1070, failed to make it to Gov. Rick Perry’s desk despite his designation that it was an emergency item. Latinos’ reactions to the fact that it was even considered, however, was expected. Many Latino opponents of the measure vowed, “We will be back. We will vote. And you will be gone during marathon committee hearings.”

But political analysts question whether and the debate will move the Latino community past marches and protests and toward the ballot box instead.

So here we are with the same issues again: Will Latinos vote? Who will they vote for? Will these crazy, racist laws affect their turnout? I’d like to say that, yes, Latino voters will respond to these pointedly prejudicial laws by voting out the crazies that created them, but then again, that’s not just up to me — it’s up to you, too.

What do you think?

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD