East San Jose groups want to increase younger voter turnout

East San Jose nonprofits are launching a youth led voting campaign to shape a more equitable society and empower residents.

In preparation for the Nov. 5 election, SOMOS Mayfair’s Jovenes Activos youth, in collaboration with Amigos de Guadalupe and other community organizations, is launching the “No Decision About Us, Without Us!” get out the vote campaign to mobilize voters, especially youth from underrepresented and vulnerable populations. The campaign kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Quetzal Gardens Apartments at 1695 Alum Rock Ave., Ste. 10 in San Jose.

Fabiola Rubero, 21, SOMOS Mayfair program coordinator for Jovenes Activos youth, said East San Jose has suffered from low voter turnout. In the November 2022 election only 9.7% of voters ages 18-24 voted in Santa Clara County. The campaign aims to address these challenges by empowering future voters, particularly youth, to participate in the democratic process.

These statistics underscore a gap in civic participation, particularly among communities most affected by policy decisions, SOMOS Mayfair said in a statement.

Rubero said many East San Jose youth will be the first to vote in their families.

“We hear the struggles they’re going through. We hear what they want to change,” she told San José Spotlight. “We give them the voice they deserve. We want youth that are able to vote to vote. There’s nothing more beautiful than having educated, confident youth that are ready to start a movement. That are ready to say… we want to be heard. That’s how we empower them.”

Abigail Fernandez, 16, who is participating in the campaign, said this is the time for people to look to the future and tackle issues through voting. She is especially motivated by Vice President Kamala Harris, a woman of color who supports reproductive rights, running for president.

“We want our voice to be heard,” Fernandez told San José Spotlight. “The best way to drive change is by voting and supporting those who want to support us.”

Fernandez said the best way to engage youth to vote is through social media. Youth participating in the get out the vote campaign created animations and TikTok videos to reach potential young voters.

“We’re very passionate about being able to picture ourselves 10 years into the future and being happy with that,” she said. “If you’re not happy with that, what can you do now to change it? How can we make the best possible future we all want? This is one of the best ways to do it.”

Raylene Hernandez, director of resource development and strategy for SOMOS Mayfair, said having a woman of color running for president has given people hope. It’s crucial people in the community have agency to address their issues and dreams, she told San José Spotlight, and youth can influence other family members to vote.

“We have young adults in our community advocating and shouting from the rooftops that not only does their voice matter, but the voices of their families, the voices of their friends and their community matters as well,” Hernandez told San José Spotlight. “We need to lean into their momentum and their vision. Our youth really do have dreams in mind for the community.”

Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].