Grassroots Youth Organizing and the Empowerment of Young Latinx Voters

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: The Many Voices of Youth Organizing

Abstract

Building on theories of political socialization, this mixed-methods paper examines the role of youth organizing groups in preparing Latinx youth to get out the vote during the 2018 general election. It also tests the extent to which youth-led efforts increased turnout among 18-24 year-old Latinx voters. Analysis draw on surveys and in-depth interviews of Latinx members of California youth organizing groups and publicly available voter registration records. Research findings suggest that youth organizing groups function as powerful agents of political socialization among their Latinx members, and also prepare them to serve as agents of political socialization among their peers. This study has implications for both grassroots youth organizing efforts and civics education targeting adolescents and young adults.

Author

• Veronica Terriquez, University of California - Santa Cruz