Wilmer Valderrama Talks 'Dark Day' in Politics, Latinos Voting in November 2014 Elections and Running for Office
Following what he calls a disappointing decision by President Barack Obama to delay executive action on immigration reform until after Election Day, actor Wilmer Valderrama is urging fellow Latinos to vote this November.
According to Valderrama, who gained fame as Fez in "That '70s Show," politicians have continuously broken promises to the Hispanic community, which feels like "taking a back seat again."
"It was a dark day for all of us," Valderrama told Fox News Latino in reference to Obama's decision. "We needed a more comprehensive action, and it was delayed."
In order to get the progress they want, Valderrama says Latinos have to care about the midterm elections, not just the presidential ones, an idea mirrored by another Latino actor/activist, Eva Longoria.
"Minorities have been through many downfalls ... many scenes of disappointment with the things that hit home, but they don't have the champions to get things passed," he explained. "They are starting to see that it can't be just the president fighting the battles. Unless you have the right people to fight these battles, it's just not going to get done."
Valderrama works with Voto Latino, a nonpartisan group "that empowers Latino Millennials to claim a better future for themselves and their community" according to its official website.
"Make sure anyone in your family who is eligible to vote goes out and represents their household, your family and themselves," he said. "We need to get the equation right to move the needle forward."
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, Voto Latino has been working to get young Latinos registered, a campaign which Valderrama says is going successfully.
"Most people thought elections stopped at the presidential elections," Valderrama said. "We have found a level of excitement for the midterm election, and that has been the biggest gift of this movement."
The actor insists that his efforts are "non-partisan" as neither Democrats nor Republicans have stood up for change.
Latinos, on the other hand, have the power to evoke change as political analysts say the demographic's vote will be key this Election Day.
"That is a fact," Valderrama said. "The history and future of both parties relies on Latinos. It's math."
The "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series" actor was born in Miami, grew up in Venezuela and came back to the United States at the age of 14 with his family who was seeking work.
"This country gave me the American Dream," Valderrama said. "Everyone appreciates the opportunities given here, [but] we can't pretend the government will fix everything."
Valderrama has no plans to run for office because he's "louder on this side of the fence," although he has been asked.
"As artists we ignite passions to start the conversations," he explained. "That's my job. My work as an activist has been the most rewarding job I've ever had."
---
Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @ScharHar.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!