Are Hispanic Houstonians Apathetic?

Even though Hispanics account for over 40% of the population in Houston, they only make up around 12–16% of the electorate. That is shameful when one puts into perspective. For example, non-Hispanic Whites are about 28% of the population and African-Americans account for 24% of Houston’s population. Yet, they each average around 30% of their electorate. In other words, Hispanics have a deficit of at least 15% when it comes to elections.

What could be the reason? Do they not care about politics? Are they apathetic?

This million-dollar question is hard to answer since there could be many and multiple justifications for the end result.

At the end of the day though, the result is the same. Hispanics are selling themselves short in the political arena. There is not a strong political cohesion … a unity that protects the interests of Hispanics and their communities. Thus, the barrios on the East End will continue to be neglected and the two minority groups (population wise) will override the majority’s influence.

Now, I have to add a disclaimer. Even though I am a young Hispanic voter, I consider myself American, Texan, Houstonian, Male, Young, Heterosexual and Hispanic in that particular order. That is to say, I do not see issues as being Hispanic only.

My concern with the lack of turnout by Hispanic’s does not stem from the fact that I am one. On the contrary, it is because a group as large and representative in population of the City of Houston as Hispanics constitute … their interests should not be ignored.

That does not mean that I advocate undermining the voting influence of Whites and African-Americans … because in all honesty … if they show up to exert their political clout … they should benefit from it. My goal as a student in the Political Science realm is to understand the root cause of this predicament.

Richard Murray, a Bob Lanier Professor of Public Policy at the University of Houston, adds, “Hispanics have yet to demonstrate they can win the top job at city hall, serious Latino candidates for this position have been few and far between. And when Hispanics do run for mayor, poor prior performance makes hard for them to raise money, garner free media coverage, and attract committed volunteers.”

That being said … it is time for Hispanics to realize and wake up or they will continue to repeat this cycle. They can longer continue to sit around and be the weak voting bloc that has plagued them over the last years. Consider this your warning.