Wilmer Valderrama. Rosario Dawson. America Ferrera. Star-led movement aims to get Latinos to vote

The Voto Latino Foundation launched a $5 million initiative Tuesday to encourage Latinos to vote in the upcoming election with a star-studded lineup of celebrities and influencers.

“Vota Con Ganas” (“Vote Enthusiastic”) campaign It will feature personal stories and messages from the Latino community, voter registration drives and workshops, social media outreach campaigns, as well as public service announcement-type videos from celebrities and influencers, highlighting the importance of voting and the impact Latino votes can have in this election.

Notable celebrities who have joined the campaign so far include Wilmer Valderrama, Rosario Dawson, America Ferrera, Danny Lux, Jessica Alba, Gina Torres and Xochitl Gomez.

Valderrama, who directed and produced the campaign videos, said in his statement that Latinos are a vital part of the country and it is time to sit at the table.

“The Ghanas campaign aims to re-invite our Latino community to vote for their future,” he said. “With each decade, the Latino community continues to grow in many parts of our country. “We contribute in many different ways and it is important that we embrace and celebrate the contributions that are possible for us here.”

As part of the campaign, the foundation has also partnered with more than 170 college campus organizations to host voter registration events and digital activations during Hispanic Heritage Month, which ends October 15. The campaign’s efforts have also been supported by foundations including the NFL, Universal Music and Sony.

As the country’s largest minority group — 19.5% of the total population, according to the 2020 census — Latinos make up a significant voting bloc in what will be a tight presidential election.

Latinos have seen the second-fastest growth of all major racial and ethnic groups in the United States since the last presidential election, behind Asian Americans. According to Pew Research Center analysisand is projected to constitute 14.7%, or 36.2 million, of all eligible voters in this presidential election; This is a new record.

The share of voters is increasing in many presidential and congressional states, including Arizona, California and Nevada. was heavily sued with Republicans And Democrats.

Maria Teresa Kumar, president of the Voto Latino Foundation, said including ordinary Latinos in the videos is a way to empower them and make their voices heard. In a statement, Kumar called the campaign “a movement to leverage the strength of the Latino community.”

Kumar said it is vital that every Latino voter is registered. Latinos have the power to shape the future Only if the country votes in this election.

Dawson, who is a board member of the foundation, said that because of the large number of first-time voters, Latinos need to mobilize their communities, especially young people.

“We have the power to decide. We can literally turn the tide,” Dawson said in a statement. “‘Vota con Ganas’ means registering, voting, volunteering and having that choice, because it’s your choice.”