That’s what Latino leaders are asking themselves, and why they will be convening in Dallas this week. The issue of boosting the Latino vote is a huge one, and if Latino turnout is finally increased, it’s anyone’s game to win or lose. Who will get the Latino vote, the Democrats or the Republicans?

More than 1,500 elected Latino leaders from across the nation will come to Dallas this week to discuss issues such as how to boost Latino voter registration and turnout, officials said.

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials will host its 23rd annual convention in Dallas for the first time Thursday through Saturday. The association chose Dallas to “showcase a city where phenomenal political progress is happening,” Executive Director Arturo Vargas said.

“Especially in light of recent events — the immigration march that drew half a million people — Dallas shows that it has a highly motivated Latino population that will be a big player in coming elections,” Vargas said.

Vargas said the midterm elections in November and presidential elections in 2008 will dominate the convention’s agenda, with several sessions focused on effective campaigning and voter impact.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the city hosting the event, Dallas, is 42 percent Latino, but Latinos only make up 13 percent of voters in the city.

Via / Star-Telegram and Houston Chronicle