Colombian Singer Juanes Urges Hispanic Youth to Vote in US Presidential Election

Colombian Singer Juanes (Photo : Photo/Reuters)

Colombian singer Juanes is calling his US fans to be heard in November's presidential elections.

While attending Thursday's Premios Juventud awards, the "Camisa Negra" singer said that voting in an important topic for the Hispanic community today.

"The most important thing is not to be indifferent in the vote. Everyone who can vote should," said Juanes during a chat with Univision.

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The ninth annual Premios Juventud awards took place in Miami where Hispanic artists are recognized through votes by the Hispanic youth.

Juanes performed two songs at the award ceremony, chosen by fans, singing "Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor" and "A Dios Le Pido."

Juanes in no stranger when it comes to politics, as an organizer of the "Peace Without Borders" benefit concert held first at the Simon Bolivar Bridge bordering Colombia and Venezuela in 2008 and Havana, Cuba in 2009.

The singer's efforts has not gone unnoticed, with President Barack Obama stating in 2009, "My understanding is that he's a terrific musician. He puts on a very good concert. I certainly don't think it hurts U.S.-Cuban relations, these kinds of cultural exchanges."

An estimated 24 million Hispanics are eligible to vote in the November 6 elections, however, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) say that only 12.2 million will actually vote.

According to NALEO Executive Director Arturo Vargas, "Latinos continue to reshape the nation's political map, and the Latino electorate will play a decisive role in Election 2012."

The NALEO Educational Fund projects that the Latino vote will increase 26 percent from 2008, and Latinos will account for at least 8.7 percent of the country's voters.

The Hispanic vote is crucial in several states, such as New Mexico, Nevada, and particularly Florida. President Obama has made several trips to the Sunshine State, while Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney recently premiered a new Spanish ad featuring his son Craig and touting his Mexican heritage.