TYLER, Texas — As East Texans prepare get ready to head to the polls for early voting or on Election Day, there have been groups working tirelessly to get Hispanic voters to show up to the polls.
These organizations are particularly focused on reaching those living in the most rural parts of East Texas.
"We're collectively working towards a future. we want to build a better future," said Emily Pinal, co-founder of Este Poder.
Este Poder is a nonprofit in East Texas that has been working tirelessly to register a key demographic to vote.
"We wanted to bring importance to rural East Texas," Pinal said.
They want to see more representation in local government, and that starts by educating eligible voters.
"All of our work is multilingual, so brochures, pamphlets, and then we also make sure that there's always someone at the table that can speak Spanish if it is requested or needed," she said.
Founded four years ago, Este Poder is comprised of four staffers each with a mission to reach the most underserved communities in the region.
"Another core belief we have is meeting the community where they're at," Pinal said.
From Smith to Wood County and Gregg all the way down to Nacogdoches, the group works alongside volunteers and community partners to educate and register.
"We emphasize how it has a direct impact in your life. The city councils, the governors -- they decide laws on what happens in your state, in your city," Pinal said.
Further east, Michelle Gamboa is the first ever Hispanic person to be voted into city council for the city of Longivew.
"I had a burning desire to make a difference in my community, and it took the village of the great people of District 5 to get me elected," Gamboa said.
Gamboa was voted in three years ago, and in that time, she's been able to make a real difference in her constituents' lives.
"It's been a hard economic year for a lot of people. So I personally have also been trying in the budget to focus on essential (and) our essential services for our citizens," Gamboa said. "Make sure they're not being cut. Make sure that we are keeping them to the highest standard that they can be held to."
Gamboa wanted to fight for and represent the people of Longview.
"And I took up that leap of faith, and I won my election," Gamboa said.
Back in the community, work continues to be done by leaders at Este Poder. After spending time at 22 community events, they have over 400 pledges to vote.
"These are people that have committed they're going to go vote in November," Pinal said. "Their number one issue they care about right now is health care, and the second one is immigration, and the third one is safety at schools."
Pinal said she doesn't feel the state represents the entire community.
"So we want to make sure that we have a say, especially rural communities of color," Pinal said.
Early voting beings Oct. 21 and runs roughly two weeks. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 25. Election Day is Nov. 5.
For everything you need to know about the November election, check out our voting guide HERE.
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