While they currently make up fewer than 3% of all elected officials in the United States, Latinx people—who are one-fifth of the U.S. population—are undoubtedly claiming their power in our democracy. Last year, voters sent the highest number of Latinx lawmakers to Congress ever, including the first congressmember from Gen Z, the first gay immigrant, and the first Midwestern Latina to serve in Congress.

That’s a big deal. But Latinx people are also becoming more politically engaged. Many of them—such as our rockstar alums, New York State Assemblymembers Catalina Cruz, Jessica González-Rojas, and Marcela Mitaynes; New York City Councilmembers Alexa Avilés, Amanda Farías, and Pierina Sanchez; New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez; and New Pride Agenda Executive Director Elisa Crespo in New York (all featured in City & State NY’s Latino Power 100 list!)—are leading our movement to create a democracy that represents and works for everyone. 💪🏽💪🏿💪🏼💪🏾

Pew Research Center recently took a pulse check on U.S. politics, and the results are eye-opening. According to its new study:

• 4% of U.S. adults say the political system works very well or extremely well; 23% say it works somewhat well
• About 6 in 10 Americans express very little or no confidence in the future of the U.S. political system
• 10% say they often feel hopeful about politics; 4% report often feeling excited

So, not many people think our political system is working well, and a lot of us aren’t confident about its future. But here’s the thing: New Americans and young people, who have voted at lower levels than the rest of the population, also have the power to make big changes. When we choose to be seen, choose to be heard, and choose to lead, we have the power to build the democracy we deserve.

At New American Leaders, we know that there are no off years when it comes to our democracy. That’s why we’re celebrating Vote Early Day on October 26th to make sure every American knows their options to vote early.

Check out VoteEarlyDay.org to find out how you can cast a ballot before Election Day.