qvNation: Election 2000

Who Do You Want as the Next U.S. President? Did you know that according to qvMagazine's Presidential Survey, 82% of QV and bisexual Latinos, who stated they were voting, support Al Gore for President of the United States? Most respondents felt that Gore better served their interests: QV rights, health care, education, the environment, and Latino and immigration issues.	Al Gore
Right: 82 percent of QV and bisexual Latino voters support Al Gore for President of the United States.	Mrs. & Mr. George W. Bush

Why Are YOU Voting? With the Presidential election at hand, it is imperative for every U.S. citizen to make his or her voice heard-and that also includes us Latinos. How do we make our voices heard? Through voting! In our new political survey, you told us why you're going out to the voting booths this November 7, 2000. "As a minority among minorities, I think that it's really important that everyone get out and vote! If you don't, it's basically saying that everything that the civil rights movement worked for-in terms of equality-really isn't important, anymore." -19 years old, Pomona, CA "As a U.S. citizen, it's one of the rights that I make sure I exercise. I try to remember that I am fortunate to have the chance to play a role in shaping our government-and help speak for our family and friends who can't vote because of their immigration status. We have a duty to make this country better for us all!" -30 years old, New York, NY

Top Ten Things qvReaders would like to see changed in the U.S. Equal rights for all--no more discrimination. Legalization of same-sex marriages. Better treatment of immigrants. Health care for all. Better education and more services for youth. More help for the poor. More Latinos involved in the political process. Campaign finance reform. A reform of the QVs in the military policy. Stronger gun control laws. Source: qvMagazine. Presidential Survey. Conducted May 1-30, 2000.

"Your vote is your voice in this nation, and if you don't vote, it's as if you're letting others make a lot of decisions for you that can affect your life." -22 years old, San Pablo, CA "I am voting because it is imperative that every Latino voice be heard. Currently, the only way our voices can be heard on a national level is through advocacy work. We must make our voices heard through the strength of our votes." -27 years old, Washington, DC "Though I am tempted not to vote, I remember how Ronald Reagan and the Republicans marginalized people in this country and around the world. I fear that George W. will simply do what other Republicans have done in the past: favor the privileged, divide the country between "us" and "them" with "them" being minorities, the poor, the needy and, of course, QV and lesbians. To not vote is to be silent in the face of bigotry and intolerance!" -51 years old, Denver, CO "I'm voting because I'll be 18 by then, and I want my voice to be heard!" -17 years old, Pomona, CA "This is my first year voting. I guess I finally realize how important it is to get out there and show my opinion by voting." -21 years old, Oxnard, CA "The reason that I choose to vote is because as Latinos grow in number, so must our political power. We need educated Latinos and non-Latinos alike to fight for Latino rights. If we show our political strength, then we will be respected, even more." -21 years old, Chicago, IL "I'm voting to make a difference." -22 years old, Compton, CA "I think as a Latino, it's important for me to get my vote out. If politicians perceive Latinos as non-voters, they won't address the issues that concern us. We Latinos have to change our image from non-participants in elections to getting out there and voting." -34 years old, Queens, NY "It's my American right!" -36 years old, Dallas, TX "I feel it is important to make my vote count. I learned a long time ago that if you want a change, you have to get off your ass and do something about it!" -30 years old, Los Angeles, CA "I am voting because this is the one time when my voice is the same and equal to the richest man in the country!" -42 years old, Seattle, WA "Because even though the elections probably won't go my way, I like to feel like my voice counts." -19 years old, Santa Cruz, CA "I am voting because I would like to make a difference. I hate people who don't vote and complain about the government." -24 years old, Roma, TX "I work with college students, and in order to impress upon them a civic responsibility, I need to show my own concern for issues-and that includes registering to vote and voting in all elections." -25 years old, Las Vegas, NV "I'm voting for my people. I'm hopeful that one day more minorities will come together and vote to put the first Mexican, black, Asian, or woman in the Oval Office. I've been told that if two of the above mentioned groups would get together, we would control the Oval Office." -34 years old, Los Angeles, CA "My vote counts. I represent all those Latinos who can't vote due to their circumstances. Besides, I don't think I could live under a conservative legislature." -19 years old, Boston, MA "Voting is important! I'm disgusted by people who complain about things when they could have voted for a person who would have addressed the issues they were complaining about. I also think it's important for Hispanics and QVs to vote and to be identified as such (in exit polls, etc.)." -33 years old, Philadelphia, PA "I am voting because I was given the right to vote. I feel strongly that to make a difference, one must vote to be heard. My vote counts! Don't deny yourself from voting-it's your right." -38 years old, Houston, TX "I think it is important for minority groups to vote. I feel we owe it to our parents and grandparents who sacrificed so much-to get us to where we are today. We need to make our voices heard and represent our people!" -20 years old, Merced, CA "I'm voting because it's my right and duty to vote in a free election. Besides, if you don't vote, then you have nothing to complain about-in the future." -48 years old, St Petersburg, FL According to our survey, 93% of those surveyed said they were going to vote in this election. The remaining 7% stated they were not voting for the following reasons: 1) they were underage, 2) they were not U.S. citizens, 3) they didn't believe voting made a difference, 4) they didn't feel they were informed enough on the issues, 5) they were not interested in any of the presidential candidates, or 6) they were "too lazy to register." Need to register to vote? In California, call (800) 345-VOTE. In New York, call (518) 474-8100. For those in other states, please call information or register via the internet at: www.election.com/us/index.htm <<Previous Article<< | >>Next Article>> qv16 Table of Contents | Main Menu