Local Hispanics eager to vote
The November elections are just around the corner, and a group of dedicated volunteers are actively working to make sure all eligible members of Tulsa’s Hispanic community are registered to vote and are fully informed about the issues to be decided.
You’ve probably seen the attractive red, white and blue banner emblazoned with the words “Register to Vote!” in front of supermarkets, bakeries, and various other locations frequented by local Hispanics. This is a principal mission of the Coalition for the American Dream (ADC), an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting up Tulsa’s immigrant population.
Staffing the voter registration table you will always find Blanca Zavala, the ADC’s president. Herself a naturalized citizen and an immigrant from Mexico, Zavala knows first hand the importance of the right to vote in a democratic society. Zavala is pleased to see that this year more Hispanics than ever are registering to vote.
“The numbers have been incredible,” Zavala told La Semana, “and not just that but those who have registered are very enthusiastic about participating in the electoral process. They want to know as much as they can, and we are here to help.”
“It’s been wonderful,” Zavala continued. “We’ve been registering a lot of first time voters and answering all sorts of questions.”
The ADC is also sponsoring a voter education forum in East Tulsa on October 20, where experts will explain – in Spanish – all of the state questions that will be on the November ballot. The location will be announced soon.
“We will show you a sample ballot so you won’t feel nervous and intimidated when going to your polling station,” Zavala explained.
Another service the ADC is organizing in conjunction with other business and community leaders is to provide a free ride to the Tulsa County Election Board on Saturday, November 5, so that people can cast their votes early.
Busses will leave from the St Francis Xavier activity center from 8:30 in the morning, making as many round trips as necessary.
This is a great alternative to voting at your normal polling place on election day, allowing you to avoid long lines and having to take time off during the work week.
In the meantime, remember to register to vote as the deadline is rapidly approaching.
“October 14 is the deadline,” Zavala said. “Don’t wait until the last minute because this is a very important election and every vote will count.”
The ADC will be conducting voter registration on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 5:30-8:30 at Pancho Anaya bakery on 21st Street east of Garnett.
They will also be at Las Americas Supermarket at 11th and Garnett on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11-3, and at Morelos Supermarket at 21st and Garnett on Sunday, Oct. 2 from 11-3.
“Come out and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by registering to vote,” Zavala urged.
For more information, call Blanca Zavala at 918-231-3340. (La Semana)