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.