ELECTIONS ENTICE VOTERS IN PUERTO RICOBy Elizabeth Cardona
Elections in Puerto Rico are distinguished by the euphoria and extravagance that can, at times, seem like an extensive carnival. Similar to local elections in the states, it is an exhilarating time in which candidates and their supporters utilize every creative mechanism to proclaim their goals and accomplishments as they try to persuade voters why they are the best candidates.
A major difference, however, is that back in the island, politics becomes a passion that is consumed, not just by the candidate’s ideals or merits, but by his or her political affiliations. There are three major parties in the island: the Pro-Commonwealth Popular Democratic Party, the Pro-Statehood New Progressive Party, and The Puerto Rican Independence Party. Each of these parties represent social and political issues that are endearing to the hearts of many Puerto Ricans living inland and abroad.
In a telephone interview, Mr. Jose Enrique Alvarado, Director of the Public Relations Office for the State Election Commission in San Juan, Puerto Rico said that “The overwhelmingly enthusiasm declared in Puerto Rico is a result of many factors including elections held once every four years during the United States Presidential elections. Although Puerto Rican residents do not vote for the United States president, on the same Tuesday that the United States votes for the presidential elections, we have elections for all our public officials including mayors, governors, delegates and representatives to the Legislature, and United States Resident Commissioner.”
Mr. Alvarado went on to point out another big difference between elections in Puerto Rico and the United States. In Puerto Rico “on Election Day, except for the employees of the Election Commission, there is no work, which allows voters the necessary time to get to the polls. The Election commission is also involved in various projects which include an outreach program that targets the youth and is successful in getting high school students registered and out to the polls on election day.”
Manuel Jose Alvarez, Webmaster for www.ceepur.net, a web page that features historical and current information on the electoral process in Puerto Rico, said in a telephone interview that “It is critical to point out how great the numbers are. There are 90% registered voters and 75% turned out at our last election.”
Alvarez went on to say that “Furthermore, elections in Puerto Rico are a jubilant time and visibility is particularly crucial. Processions are seen everywhere. There are billboards, posters, caravans, and music with catchy jingles that remain in your head all day long, are aired on the radio. Oh, and I cannot forget the television advertisements that consistently remind you that its election time. How can you escape?”
Ben Ramos, a local community activist and president of Pioneer Lending Inc., believes that the difference in climate plays a role in voter turnout. “Unlike the unpredictable weather in New England, the warm tropical island does not adhere to daylight savings time which makes the day longer for people in Puerto Rico to get out and vote.”
Alvarez further explains, “Puerto Rican politics and
election activity can influence voters through mass meetings held by the
political parties towards the closing of the campaign, shortly before Election
Day. These meetings, which usually bring together hundreds of thousands of
party loyalists, can sometimes be indicative of which party is likely to win the
election. In fact, this was the case
Here in our own community we have seen a great deal of excitement among Latinos who have considered running for public office. According to public records in the Springfield Election Commission, Jose Claudio, Edgar Alejandro and Victor G. Davila took out nomination papers for School Committee. Armando Feliciano took out nomination papers for Mayor and Juan Gerena, George Vazques, and Elizer “Alex” Cortes took out nomination papers for seats on the City Council. In addition, incumbent City Counselor, Jose F. Tosado, has also taken out nomination papers for re-election to the City Council.
However, the election records further indicate that only three of the Latinos seeking public office actually turned in the required amount of signatures necessary to get their names on the ballot. The three are Victor G. Davila who is running for School Committee and “Alex” Cortes and Jose F. who are running for City Council.
Similar to elections in Puerto Rico the political ambiance in Springfield is beginning to heat up. Unlike elections in Puerto Rico with their vibrant festive celebrations, I do not expect to see many caravans or processions around the city but I do guarantee that this year’s local elections will keep us entertained. My advice is to get on board and vote. Only then will you become a part of the excitement that happens during elections. |