As the Puerto Rican community plays a crucial and decisive voice in Pennsylvania’s upcoming elections due to its growing demographic presence, and influence in key voting districts, CASA launched a strong mobilization effort to amplify and offer a platform for the Puerto Rican community to be heard on the issues that they care about.
With a significant Puerto Rican population concentrated in areas like Philadelphia, Allentown, and Reading, this voting bloc holds substantial power to sway election outcomes in Pennsylvania. Their influence is particularly critical in close races, as voter turnout rises among young Puerto Rican and Latino residents, amplifying the community’s voice and potential impact on key decisions. “At the heart of this campaign is our nonpartisan door-knocking initiative, aimed at mobilizing voters without aligning with any political party,” said Patricia Zapata, the Director of Membership and Leadership Development at CASA.
She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to the mainland after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. “Our goal is to engage the community by providing essential information on the significance of their vote and the logistics of when, where, and how to cast it. In just the last seven days, we’ve reached out 43,094 times, knocking on 32,912 doors and connecting face-to-face with 4,633 residents.
This effort underscores CASA’s commitment to driving meaningful engagement and empowering every voice in our community,” added Zapata. Through extensive canvassing efforts, CASA has gained valuable insights into community members’ pressing issues. Public safety emerged as a primary concern, with residents wanting safer neighborhoods, lower crime rates, stronger emergency services, and greater police presence.
Economic challenges were also prominent, as many voiced concerns about the shortage of well-paying jobs and limited local economic opportunities, underscoring the need for more support for small businesses and job training programs. Additionally, climate justice has captured growing interest, with residents eager to advocate for fair and sustainable solutions to address the impacts of climate change on their communities.
With a younger-than-average population, many Puerto Rican voters are new to the voting process and bring fresh perspectives.
The “Oye mi Voto” campaign has been designed by the community and for the community. It brings the Caribbean flavor, and the campaign embraces and celebrates Latino roots and customs, weaving Puerto Rican identity into every aspect of its design and messaging.
Vibrant colors, traditional imagery, and familiar cultural symbols evoke a sense of pride and belonging, aiming to resonate with Puerto Ricans, whether they’ve recently arrived or have lived outside the island for generations. By honoring these deep-rooted connections, the campaign reinforces a shared identity, creating a space where every Puerto Rican feels seen, valued, and inspired to take part in shaping their community’s future. Young people, in particular, are eager for change and recognize the power they hold through their vote, taking on the responsibility of encouraging civic participation within their families.
This campaign aims to inspire both groups, fostering a sense of civic duty and pride in their Puerto Rican heritage while emphasizing that their votes are key to creating positive change in their communities. In Pennsylvania, approximately 580,000 eligible Latino voters could wield significant influence in the election, a fact underscored by the margin of victory in the 2020 election—seven times the margin President Biden achieved.
This highlights the potential impact of even modest voter turnout from this demographic. “As a Puerto Rican in Pennsylvania, being part of this campaign is deeply personal,” said Lourdes Garcia, an organizer from CASA and a resident of Lancaster, PA. “We wanted every element—from the colors to the messaging—to reflect our heritage and make people feel connected to their roots, no matter how long they’ve been away from the island.
When I knock on doors, I see the pride in people’s faces, which reminds me why this work is so important. We’re not just reaching out for votes but strengthening our community’s voice.” In addition to door-to-door efforts, CASA is implementing targeted social media campaigns to inspire at least 235,000 young Puerto Rican voters. These initiatives utilize compelling visuals and messages to engage younger demographics and encourage active participation.
