Role of Minority Races In Elections
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The Role of Minority Races in Elections
The article reveals that the opinion of the people greatly influences the American political system. The need for politicians to engage and attract eligible voters of all races proves the importance of every citizen’s vote in the United States. Politicians appear analytical of areas with a majority of votes, and they try siphoning all possible votes to themselves. Several regions in the United States also have a reputation of affiliating with certain sides of democracy. Some make a selection of leaders based on whether the person running is a democrat or republican.
Minorities serve the purpose of voting for leaders best suited to represent their needs. Over the years, the population of minority groups has increased. According to research by Kershaw (2004), Hispanics were regarded as the largest growing minority group in the United States. With the rise in their numbers, the power of the Hispanic vote increased, resulting in politicians’ attempts to seek their votes. Initially, the minority vote didn’t count as much as it does with the new increased population. The value of the minority vote increased, and the registered minority voters became viable determinants of the election results. People of minority groups also have a better power to assess viable candidates.
In the 2004 elections, there was a rise in the minority population. However, the overall voter turnout was low compared to that of Whites. Notably, in 2004, despite the high Hispanic, Black, and Asian American population, the overall eligibility of voters was still higher in Whites. In 2012, minorities accounted for a larger share of voters breaking the disconnect. In an article after the 2012 elections, Frey(2013) stated that the increased minority voter turnout greatly influenced the win for Obama. The Census Bureau noted the historical black voter turnout, which exceeded that of Whites.
The arguments made in the article included the effects of voter enthusiasm had on the outcome of the elections. The selected candidates had to resonate with the voters to win their votes. When the candidates excite the voters, overall turnout rises. Ultimately, voter turnout and eligibility determined the winner of elections.
References
Kershaw, S.( February 2, 2004). The 2004 Campaign:The Hispanic Vote; A Vital Bloc, Realizing Its Power, Measures Its Suitors. The New York Times.
Frey, W. (2012, May 12). Why Minorities Will Decide the 2012 U.S. Election. Retrieved August 06, 2020, from https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/why-minorities-will-decide-the-2012-u-s-election/