A recent report commissioned by Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) found that California’s immigrants and their children will have a major electoral impact, potentially representing fully one-third of the electorate within four years. One of the most striking findings of the GCIR study was that nearly half of California’s youth who will become eligible to vote by 2012 have at least one immigrant parent. These young people have close ties to the immigrant experience and a natural interest in issues affecting immigrant families that will likely shape their vote.

The study was unique in presenting these figures by county and legislative district. In California, potential new voters from immigrant families could have a large electoral voice in both Republican and Democratic districts, representing more than 250,000 voters in seven California counties and more than 100,000 in 15 counties. Like other Californians, these new voters want a strong economy, a safe and healthy community, and a bright future for themselves and their families.

As more new citizens and their children become voters, they will likely develop a greater stake in community and become more active participants. Their participation strengthens our social fabric, invigorates our democracy, and creates a more cohesive society in which all groups have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to engage in and contribute to the common good.

Click here to read the full report.