Apart from North Dakota, all voters have to register. Registration forms are complicated and Blacks who have little education find them difficult to fill in. Hispanics, Where first language is Spanish find the form filling difficult as questions are in English.
In rural areas poorer people find it difficult getting transport to their nearest registration point.
Many feel voting is a waste of time because voting will not change their circumstances and believe politicians rarely keep their promises.
In the US people are asked to vote on a regular basis - every 2 years for the House of Representatives and in state referendums. This often discourages people to vote.
Hispanics, if illegal immigrants are not entitled to register or vote, so many are unrepresented.
There are few ethnic minority candidates and this may discourage Blacks and Hispanics from voting.
Ballot papers are also complicated and this may also deter Blacks and Hispanics from voting.
9. Problems facing Ethnic minorities in the USA
Social Issues
Education
Housing
Health
Crime
Economic Issues
Unemployment
Poverty
10. The Cycle of Poverty
Schools in a ghetto are sometimes called "Blackboard Jungles."
Facilities in these schools are poorer than those in the suburbs. There are shortages of textbooks, computers and lab equipment.
There is a shortage of teachers willing to be employed in ghetto schools.
Classes tend to be larger and staff change frequently.
Drop out rates are above average in the ghetto.
Educational achievement is below average.
Violence is a problem in ghetto schools. In some metal detectors, security guards, perimeter fencing, random weapon checks and the schools own police force can be needed.
Discipline problems - gang fights, attacks on teachers, damage to property
12. Unemployment
More Blacks and Hispanics drop out of High School and are therefore more likely to be unemployed
4.5% of Whites are unemployed
12% of Blacks are unemployed
8% of Hispanics are unemployed
Black unemployment rates are more than double that of White Americans.
Hispanic unemployment rates are higher than the national average.
Hispanic unemployment is significantly greater for White Americans but slightly less than that for Blacks
Those who do have jobs tend to have low paid, unskilled jobs with few career opportunities and limited job security
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