US elections: Minority vote may decide who wins and who loses

After the infamous recount in the 2000 presidential election, Florida earned an international reputation for election foul-ups. OBV’s Francine Fernandes, visits Florida to explore what is happening on the ground.

As the US Presidential election enters its final day, the tension in the air is palpable. From my discussions with people in Florida, I am told that a race which initially raised little interest, is now at fever pitch. The lack of interest all changed with the first Presidential debate. Obama’s disengaged performance led Republicans to believe that victory was within sight. Conversely, the Democrat’s realisation that they may not gain a second term sparked them into action.

As in 2008, the minority vote is crucial in this election - the demographics of the electorate in the US guarantee it. The significance of the minority vote lies not just in racially diverse battleground states such as Florida, but also in predominantly white states as well. With approximately 90% of African Americans traditionally voting for the Democratic Party, this election is a battle of turnout and its outcome will greatly depend on the enthusiasm of minority ethnic voters.

However, stories of voter suppression have been rife, and many believe that these changes have been orchestrated by the Republican party. Voter suppression techniques include restricting early voting, as in key battleground states such as Florida and Ohio, which could disproportionately affect African-Americans and others with less job flexibility. Some states have tried to impose new voter ID requirements. The effect makes it harder for people to vote, and particularly affects minorities and the elderly. What is most shocking is the unashamed nature of these measures. Some officials, like those in Pennsylvania, openly bragged that the goal of these laws was to ensure Republican victories.

The dirty tactics don’t stop there. During my discussions with people in Florida, some voters have reported receiving official looking documents which read, ‘ Republicans vote Tuesday, Democrats vote Wednesday’. Whilst another person, who lives in a Republican stronghold, told me about her ‘Vote Obama’ sign being stolen from her front lawn, and to add insult to injury, replaced with a Romney placard.

With a prize so great, misinformation, voter intimidation and other efforts at voter suppression are all too commonplace. Working for OBV, and living in the UK where the battle is promoting voter engagement, the practices and stories that I have heard seem incomprehensible. Nevertheless, the American public remain committed to making sure they have a voice. The challenge to the early voter restrictions has been successfully won in south Florida and additional provisions have been made in South Florida to ensure voters are able to cast their votes.

What is certain is that the next few hours will be fascinating as election frenzy reaches its culmination. With Obama and Romney deadlocked in the polls, the minority ethnic voter is more crucial than ever.

Francine Fernandes, reporting from Florida, USA.

Francine has been selected to participate on the International Vistors' Leadership Programme sponsored by the US State Department to promote international dialogue and understanding. Alumnis of the programme including former Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and Gordon Brown.