Carlos Salazar wasn't born in the U.S., but when he became a US citizen, he made sure to exercise his right to vote.
“It's a responsibility that we have and a privilege,” he told NBC 7 on California’s primary day.
But that's not happening in every Latino household.
Latinos make up the largest minority group in California, and a surge in votes could influence the outcome of key races across the state, but according to the Public Policy Institute of California only about half of Latinos are registered to vote.
“It's time that in San Diego, we start having representation that actually represents the population of San Diego,” voter Sarina Sanchez said. Latinos make up about 34% of the state's population, but only about a third of voters turn out.
Sanchez admits this is only the second time she's voted in the last eight years.
"I decided today that it was so important to come out with the climate today that exists with Trump,” she said.
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“A lot of times they think their vote doesn't make a difference. Boy did we learn our lesson, how wrong that was in November 2016,” Enrique Morones, the founder of the nonprofit group Border Angels, explained. The Border Angels don't endorse particular candidates, but they are active in encouraging Latinos to vote. Morones says more needs to be done. “They need to learn and hear what the issues are,” he added.
In the race for governor, former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is banking on Latinos turning out to put him into second place for the runoff. He's running against another popular Democrat, Gavin Newsom.
"A few years ago, it would've been really impressive to say a Latino is running for the governor,” Morones said, “now he's been around for so long that people are taking it for granted."
Political consultant Art Castañares says a primary election always has the lowest turnout for Latinos and Democrats. "If Antonio Villaraigosa is elected governor, he would be the first Latino governor in 125 years. And you'd think that would be the big campaign piece and you don't hear about that at all,” he said.
If Villaraigosa doesn't make the runoff, Castañares believes fewer Latinos will turn out for the general election.
