TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Local voices are important, but they are also the communities where they are most often forgotten, especially during elections. So a local nonprofit is on a mission to change that.
Este Poder was founded in 2020. It started when UT Tyler political science graduates Emily Pinal, Belén Yniguez, and Lina Ortega banded together to found the organization.
Pinal says their efforts began by knocking on the doors of East Texas’s smallest communities. These actions revealed to them how some rural areas are being left behind when it comes to voting efforts.
“They’re like, ‘Wow, in the 15-plus years I’ve lived here, no one has ever knocked on my door,'” Pinal said.
And it was through the simple act of reaching out first that this grassroots nonprofit was able to make a difference.
“They say, just because you came to talk to me, I want to go vote,” Pinal shares.
Since then, we have hosted events for the most overlooked communities, including people of color and low-income people. We serve counties such as Smith, Gregg, Wood, Cherokee, and Nacogdoches.
Whether at local schools or events, they strive to educate residents about local government, how it works, and the importance of civic engagement.
“We want to make sure they’re actually going to vote,” Pinal said.
A survey by National Public Radio found that voters in low-wage jobs have a harder time prioritizing political participation over everyday economic needs. Additionally, if you are from a rural area, the travel time and barriers to in-person voting are even higher. These are the issues Este Porder wants to help with.
“We try to make sure they know they have these resources and that we are here for the community.”
The hope is to increase residents’ desire to participate by helping residents register to vote, finding the nearest polling place, and providing seminars on local elections and laws. Pinal says these are the issues East Texans talk about most.
“Health care is important right now, but so is the safety of schools and immigrants. We want to make sure they’re actually going to vote.”
Volunteer Yi Chi Pia is an international student from Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia. She’s been here for two years now and says she’s inspired by motivating others to vote.
“The situation in Burma is very difficult. Here, you have a chance to speak up and have your voice heard,” Peer said.
For the younger generation, Este Poddar has partnered with several local high schools and universities to allow for one-on-one conversations.
“All we want to do is make sure students are registered,” Pinal said.
This year alone, the organization has reached out to more than 6,000 East Texans and helped more than 400 people register to vote. If you would like to access their resources, you can do so by clicking here.
In the run-up to the general election in November, they hope to continue interacting one step at a time.
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