In the country's third largest city, Latinos are almost a third of its population. Still in Chicago elections -- with Latinos making up nearly 1 in 5 registered voters -- they are consistently underrepresented in public opinion surveys.

Our challenges are immense and urgent. But we have dedicated educators and families, and a mayor who's proven he'll take the heat to work on our budget. If we responsibly fund education, then even during tough times, we have so much to feel optimistic about.

The African American vote plays a crucial role in electoral politics, especially in a big city like Chicago. Many candidates have to gain approval from the African American community in order to secure the mayor's office.