The Odessa Civic Engagement Project mission is to empower citizens by increasing their participation in the American democratic process. We do this by providing education in local and county government, networking with other organizations, mobilizing voters, providing training and community information.
As population demographics begin to change in Odessa and Ector County, there is an increase awareness to proportionate representation. Una Voz Unida has identified and recognizes that Hispanic voting strength has been diluted due to over populating in one or two districts. The Odessa Civic Engagement Project will work closely with city and county officicals to insure proportionate representation is achieved by a means that is fair and within the parameters of the law.
Since passage of the Voting Rights Act, the number of minority elected officials has increased substantially across the country. However, serious under representation of Hispanics and Blacks in elected positions persists locally. Under representation of Hispanics and Blacks in elected office can also be attributed to election systems, voting rules, and methods of redistricting, as well as to practices that minority candidates may confront such as harassment, intimidation and lack of access to voters.
Total Hispanic Registered Voters Ector County: 20,537
By age group:
Source: UVU Nov. 2, 2010 Analysis