With Washington in gridlock, Latinos turn to state and local elections

*Yet another angle to ponder for tomorrows midterm elections. The piece, like many others, makes immigration the central issue, and we know that Latino voters have many other political concerns.  But it raises a good question about the effect of Latino voters on down-ballot races. VL

By Mary Truck, Al Jazeera America

As the midterm elections loom, Democrats are banking on Latino voters in key races around the country to maintain their majority in the Senate and perhaps gain some seats in the House.

But this may prove difficult. Latinos historically vote in low numbers, even more so in midterm elections. Young voters, too, are a low-turnout group. This year, with outrage over failed immigration reform efforts and an unceasing stream of right-wing, anti-immigrant vitriol, Latinos have many reasons to abandon electoral politics.

Opting out of voting is a tempting alternative, but voting Democratic lawmakers out would exchange politicians who have done nothing for those who promise to do worse. Despite congressional and presidential letdowns, voting in the midterm elections at federal, state and local levels can still make a big difference.

I learned this from three Latino activists whom I asked about their responses to President Barack Obama’s and Congress’ failure to keep promises on immigration reform. All three are, like me, residents of Minnesota, one of the handful of Midwestern states that are hotly contested by both parties.

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