The soggy weather is not dampening the bustling crowds of delegates, politicians, journalists and party faithful who have been assembling in this city for the Democratic National Convention, which officially starts today. The next three nights will be a chance for Democrats to speak to a nationwide audience and make the case for President Obama’s re-election. As Latinos take center stage tonight — San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro will be the first Hispanic to give the keynote address at the Democratic convention — Latino Democrats say the stakes are high.

“I truly believe if Latinos don’t turn out and vote for Obama, Republicans will win,” says Gilberto Hinojosa, Chair of the Texas Democratic Party and one of the delegates from his state. ”I believe this is the case in states such as Colorado, Virginia, Florida and Nevada,” he adds. Hinojosa hopes Latino leaders like Julian Castro help energize more Hispanics to vote — and to vote Democratic.

“Ultimately, it will be a game changer when Texas turns blue, and that will depend on people like Julian Castro to be elected to statewide office,” says Hinojosa.

Delegates such as New Jersey state senator Nellie Pou say they are energized by the record number of Latino delegates at the convention; at over 800, it’s the highest number ever. “I think the Latino vote will be the impact vote this year,” says Pou.

Read more at NBC Latino