The civic engagement organization Power California announced Monday that it is opening a phone bank center in Los Angeles with a goal of reaching 52,000 young adults in the county and 100,000 statewide through phone banking and texting before November’s midterm election.
Power California focuses on increasing voter and government participation by young people of color aged 18-24. The organization said it has registered more than 40,000 young voters in the past two years and engaged more than 200,000 voters in the last several elections.
“Together with our allies and young people themselves, we are working to unleash the power of the youth vote in California, not just for this election cycle but for years to come,” said Luis Sanchez, co-executive director of Power California. “Young people of color are highly engaged in civic life, and deeply value voting and civic engagement. We must do more to invest in this emerging electorate in our state to win policy victories, elect and hold leaders accountable and meet the aspirations of our communities.”
Power California said it also plans to organize voter registration drives at high schools, college campuses, and community events ahead of the November election.
“With the future of our schools, our communities and our country at stake, young people are stepping up to demonstrate our power in our communities and at the polls,” said Angel Banuelos, 18. “That’s why I am voting for the first time in the mid-term elections. California will be stronger when we all have an equal say in the decisions that impact our lives.”