Idaho Democrats Form New Wing To Register Hispanics

Idaho Democrats have formed a new wing of the party and hope to register 10,000 Hispanics as voters before the November election.

The Hispanic Alliance, or !Alianza!, was launched this month to bring more Hispanics into the political fold, said Frank Cisneros, Lava Hot Springs resident and Democratic activist.

“The Idaho Hispanic Alliance has been organized to recruit and support Hispanic candidates, register Hispanic voters and educate the general electorate regarding Hispanic issues,” Cisneros said.

Part of the campaign will be door-to-door registration. Cisneros said the Hispanic Alliance also will pay 50 cents for each voter registered.

The state Democratic Party has given the new organization $6,000 to advertise on Spanish-language radio stations and in newspapers. Volunteers also will hit places where Hispanics tend to gather.

“We’re going to work with the churches and have fliers up in stores - tiendas. Any place where Hispanics go, we’re going to be there,” Cisneros said.

Cisneros said efforts to register Hispanics and persuade them to vote for Hispanic Democratic candidates will concentrate on the Upper Snake River Valley, the Magic Valley and the Treasure Valley.

Seven Hispanics are on the legislative general election ballot this year.