The novel coronavirus upended the Democrat’s campaign for statehouse in an exurban district. Hurtado stopped door-knocking. The closest he came to potential voters was standing 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more away while volunteering at food banks or a virus testing site.
And, still, he contracted the virus himself.Across the U.S., the coronavirus outbreak is disrupting Latinos’ long and difficult climb up the political ladder.
The disease has disproportionately sickened Latinos, destabilized communities and impeded voter registration ahead of the November presidential election.
In North Carolina, only 5,000 Latinos have been added to the voter rolls since mid-March, less than half the number added during the same period four years ago.