Push to register Latino voters

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno was at the forefront of a statewide push to get more Latino voters registered on Wednesday.

Their message was to be seen and heard. The campaign Mi Familia Vota (My Family Votes) aims to get more Latino voters registered and get them to understand that political leaders are more likely to listen to large blocs of voters.

"You see the difference from traveling from one side of the city to the other. Roads not maintained as well, sidewalks not maintained," said Samuel Molina, Mi Familia Vota coordinator.

Organizers want to see Latino political power gradually rise alongside the growing population.

Governor Brown's budget proposal indicated Hispanics would out-number whites in California this year.

"It's just a matter of time before the trend lines intersect then we start to exercise our political clout," said Eddie Varela, El Concilio president.

But voter apathy crosses all cultures and groups. During the June primary, just 26 percent of registered voters in Fresno County cast a ballot.

"As Latinos, united we can make a difference in our future, in our children's futures so its extremely important to put that fear aside or whatever is stopping us from voting and getting out there," said Sara Lugo, UFW Foundation.

The Fresno County Elections Office wants to remind people that Spanish speakers can request ballots and election material in their native language.