Conn. Latino commission appeals for voter turnout

Connecticut's Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission is calling for Latinos to make their voices heard in the upcoming November election.

Commission chairman Isaias Diaz says Latinos have suffered disproportionately during the recession and they need to vote to play a role in the recovery.

The secretary of the state's office estimates the number of registered Latino voters in Connecticut at about 176,700, but only about a half of them typically vote.

Commissioner Norma Rodriguez Reyes said the community needs to tell elected officials of the need to save homes from foreclosure, improve schools and increase job opportunities.

The commission reminded voters that under the Voting Rights Act, Bridgeport, East Hartford, Hartford, Meriden, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Waterbury and Windham are required to provide Spanish-language ballots upon request.

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