DENVER -- Political pundits coast to coast believe it's the Latino vote that could tip this election one way or the other.

No where is that more true than here in Colorado. Both parties are aware of the enormous impact Latinos could have on this election, and both parties feel their agenda appeals more to Colorado’s Hispanic population.

"I would hope there's enough penetration out there by the media and interested people and our representatives to get everyone to vote," said Latino voter Armando Quiroz.

"It's such a large number of Latino's who historically don't vote. I hope to see that change this election, because it's so important for everyone to vote," said Latina voter Olivia Gallegos.

Former Denver mayor Federico Pena said Latinos will make the difference for his candidate, Sen. Barack Obama.

“The Latino vote is going to be key. Not just in Colorado, but in New Mexico, Nevada and Florida,” said Pena.

The Latina Initiative is one of several non-partisan groups working to get out the Hispanic vote in Colorado.

The Latino vote could make up 10 percent of the Colorado electorate this year.

“Elections are won and lost by just a handful of votes. So 10 percent of the electorate, that’s thousands of voters,” said Latina Initiative executive director Dusti Gurule.

Both campaigns have picked up some big endorsements from the local Hispanic community.

On Tuesday, three high-profile Hispanic evangelical pastors in Colorado endorsed Sen. John McCain. Those Christian leaders are Mark Gonzales, Marcos Witt and Dr. Gilbert Velez.

Gonzales is the vice president of governmental affairs for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference or the NHCLC.

Witt is a four-time Latin Grammy Award winner who has sold over 10 million copies of his records.

Velez is the National Chairman of the NHCLC. The three men believe McCain’s core values resonate more with Latinos, especially Catholics.

Gurule said she is just encouraged to see more Latino’s becoming civically involved. “We’re educating all members of the Latino community. But for me, it’s more fulfilling to see women and men in their 30’s who have lived here for many years, now becoming involved. To me, that’s a little more fulfilling.”

The Latina Initiative is also targeting Hispanics who aren’t even old enough to vote. “Kids at 14,” said Gurule. “To really get them engaged early and bought into the process.”