Young, brown, and informed

It’s a combination many Republicans in this state fear, especially GOPers like Joe Arpaio who made a career out of profiling and debasing brown people. But whether or not Arpaio wins reelection tomorrow, this group of individuals will change Arizona politics for decades to come.

These young Latinos have tasted the power of political activism, and they know what they are capable of achieving. When Paul Penzone becomes Maricopa County’s next Sheriff, he will have thousands of volunteers to thank, but first on his list should be the young volunteers who worked with groups such as Promise Arizona, Adios Arpaio, and Citizens for a Better Arizona. They registered more than 35,000 new voters, collected thousands of early ballots, and gave voice to thousands of disenfranchised individuals.

Whether or not Penzone and Carmona pull off an upset tomorrow (my bet is that they will), our young Latinos will have made a significant impact in this state, which is a victory for all who believe in equality.