Regional Latino newspaper La Voz is including Spanish-language Washington State voter registration forms in copies of the publication, distributing a total of 22,000 over the course of three weeks. The July 24th issue included registration forms in papers distributed throughout locations in Tri-Cities and Yakima, the July 31st issue will distribute forms to Othello, Walla Walla and Yakima, and the August 7th issue will distribute forms again to the Tri-Cities and Othello.
When reached for comment, David Cortinas of La Voz said: “Our newspaper has been serving the Columbia Basin and surrounding areas for 14 years, and by helping get the Latino community registered to vote we are continuing that service.”
In response, George Fearing issued the following statement: “Democracy in its ideal form includes full citizen participation. I applaud La Voz and David Cortinas’ efforts in promoting civic involvement. All community news outlets have a shared interest in an informed and active readership. I encourage other publications in Central Washington to follow suit.”
George represented the Latino community following the 2000 census after Franklin County gerrymandered its county commissioner districts to weaken the voting strength of Latinos.
Voter registration is a nonpartisan effort. The Fearing Campaign expects and encourages the support of increased registration from all candidates and organizations in Central Washington. It’s too late to register for the August 19th primary, but there is plenty of time before the October 4th deadline to register for the general election.
For more information on the community outreach by La Voz, other voter registration efforts in the Columbia Basin and how to increase registration in your community, contact the following:
David Cortinas, Publisher and CEO of La Voz
Phone – 509-543-9932
E-mail
George Fearing Campaign and Tri-Cities Democratic Headquarters
Phone – 509-420-4463
E-mail
Steve Lee, Field Organizer for Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change – 8th, 16th and 9th Legislative Districts
Phone – 509-420-4463
E-mail
Washington State Office of Secretary of State
Phone - 360-902-4151
E-mail
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