Contrary to many public discussions on the upcoming election, Latinos will vote in great numbers in today's election. One of our NHLA member organizations, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), projects that more than 7.8 million Latinos will vote, up from 6.6 million Latinos who voted in the last midterm election in 2010.

Election after election the power of our vote has grown, despite efforts to restrict voting. We must remain committed to exercising our right to vote so that more elected officials take notice that we can make a difference in elections.

Hector Sanchez, NHLA Chair and Executive Director of LCLAA said, "Today, I urge you to ignore the media and those pundits who claim that Latino voters are disenchanted and unlikely to vote. We must send a clear message that we will never pass up the opportunity to tell our elected officials and Washington how we feel about their progress, or lack thereof. Our message will come through in our vote and, as a result, we will shape this election."

LULAC National Executive Director, Brent Wilkes said, "As voters we have an opportunity to change the course of elections. That is why every election matters and every vote is important. Particularly for the Latino community who face such challenges as voter ID laws. We cannot allow those who attempt to suppress our vote to succeed. Fight back on November 4th by casting your vote and making your voice heard."

"Now more than ever, it is critical that Latinos and Latinas go the polls and vote our values,” stressed Jessica González-Rojas, Executive Director, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. “So many issues, from fair pay to immigrants' rights, to health care and reproductive justice, are at stake in this and every election. And everyone has a role to play- whether you can or cannot vote, there is important work for each of us to build a brighter future for our families. The Latino electorate has risen: now is the time to be heard."

“In 2010, the Latino electorate helped determine the outcome of critical U.S. Senate races, with more than 6.6 million Latino voters casting ballots,” said NALEO Educational Fund Executive Director Arturo Vargas. “NALEO projects that Latinos are once again poised to play a decisive role in Election 2014 with 7.8 million Latinos expected to cast ballots. These numbers equate to real political power, making it critical for campaigns and candidates to actively engage Latino voters on the issues that matter most to them if they want to gain the support of this increasingly influential electorate.”

“We need Latinos to vote for candidates who will support key programs that will be up for renewal next year in Congress - Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance, the Women Infant and Child Program, community clinic and primary care physicians funds so that we can have healthy families in America,” said Elena Rios, President & CEO National Hispanic Medical Association.

Cynthia D. Mares, President, Hispanic National Bar Association, said “To not vote is to neglect your pride and power as a decision-maker and a voice in your community.”

“Our vote is our voice. It is the way we show our elected officials what we care about. It is critically important that we go out and vote our conscience on the issues of the day to help make this country a better place for all Americans,” stated National Hispanic Media Coalition’s President & CEO, Alex Nogales.