Thu July 17, 2008
State Hispanics may play key role at pollsRelated Information



By Devona Walker
Staff Writer
Hispanic advocates have turned their attention to registering voters in Oklahoma and across the nation, following unprecedented immigration enforcement measures.

New York-based Nuestra America began its national Hispanic voter registration drive July 4. The purpose is to shore up the Hispanic voting block and ensure Hispanic Americans have a seat at the political table next year.

The National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Religious Leaders, which sued Oklahoma last year over its immigration enforcement statute, also plans a statewide voter registration campaign.


Making a difference
In Oklahoma, efforts are under way to register and mobilize Hispanic voters.
"Up until now, Hispanics have not been taken seriously at all either at the national, state, county or local levels,â€