The Hispanic population has been booming in Carrboro. Hispanics now make up 12 percent of the town.
Unfortunately, that elevated margin of residency has not translated into an equal amount of participation or representation by the town's government.
But two things might help change that Nov. 6.
First, bilingual ballots will be offered for Spanish-speaking voters for the first time by the Orange County Board of Elections.
Logistically, bilingual ballots are required by the state law if 6 percent of the population speaks Spanish as their primary language. With 12 percent of the town's population Hispanic, bilingual ballots are undoubtedly needed in Carrboro.
The second potential boost for Hispanic political participation: John Herrera. Herrera has been a vocal advocate for the burgeoning Latino community in the Triangle -- and he is seeking a spot on the Carrboro Board of Aldermen.
The 37-year-old Costa Rica native has been instrumental in empowering Hispanics in his community.
He was hired as the vice president for Latino-Hispanic affairs for Durham's Self-Help Credit Union, and he later created the Latino Community Credit Union, or Cooperativa Comunitaria Latina de Cr
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