While a surge of Latino voters cast their ballots in the race against Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump before Election Day (Nov. 8), President Barack Obama understands that many in the Latino community are discouraged to vote in the midst of an election season ridden with discriminatory rhetoric.
In a recent interview with Gina Rodriguez, however, POTUS encourages Latinos to tap into their power by showing up to the polls on Tuesday.
“The reason fear is promoted is because they don’t want people voting,” he says. “People are discouraged from voting, and part of what’s important for Latino citizens is to make your voice heard because you’re not just speaking for yourself. You’re speaking for family members, friends [and] classmates of yours in school who may not have a voice, who can’t legally vote, but they’re counting on you to make sure that you have the courage to make your voice heard.”
The self-proclaimed Mr. Hope also expressed that he believes the majority of Americans are good people, although the voting majority may not reflect that if people stay at home. “If you take the time to vote, the country will be better,” he adds. “It won’t be perfect. There will still be racism out there. There will still be poverty. There will still be challenges, but it’ll be better, and better is good.”
Listen to the president’s full remarks, where he debunks a slew of voting myths: