Being Latinx is complicated — being Latinx during a global pandemic during an election year, even more so. A Pew poll conducted this August showed that Latinx folks have taken pay cuts or lost their jobs at a higher rate than any other group since February 2020. Another national survey found that nearly two-thirds of Latinx individuals were worried that they would lose their savings or retirement funds, or wouldn’t be able to pay for basic expenses, like food, utilities, rent, or mortgages. Latinx small-business owners applied for federal relief funds, but only a handful received them. The pandemic is on everyone’s mind and economic and social wellbeing is taking the front seat as we near election day. Critically, in this Presidential election, Latinxs are on track to be the largest racial or ethnic group to be eligible to vote in a presidential election (for the first time!), according to the Pew Research Center’s 2019 electorate data analysis. As of now, approximately 32 million Latinx people—or 13.3% of the electorate—will be eligible to vote, just slightly more than the 30 million black voters .
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We encourage everyone who can, to register and vote and make sure your voice is heard in our local and national elections. Wharton has traditionally had one of the lowest levels of voter engagement across Penn. Let’s change that this year. Register. Vote. Volunteer. Make your voice heard.
Please click here to access resources and links to learn how you can easily register. The Wharton Hispanic American MBA Association (WHAMBAA) condemns the egregious, needless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and countless others. We stand in solidarity with the Black community, including our Afro-Latinx community members, against the systemic racism and violent oppression of Black lives. Additionally, we call upon our Latinx community, alumni and supporters to take action to oppose these oppressive forces.
Please click here of our complete statement, including our action plan and resources. |
AuthorsNate Soffio | Director of Strategic Partnerships Archives |