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U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, urges Latinos in Minneapolis to go to the polls next month despite frustrations about delayed immigration reform. Tim Pugmire/MPR News

One of the nations leading advocates for immigration reform was in Minneapolis today, urging Latino voters to make their voices heard on Nov. 4.

U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, was the keynote speaker at a fundraising event organized by the group Unidos Votamos.

Gutierrez acknowledged that many Latino voters might be discouraged after President Obamas decision to delay executive action on immigration reform until after the election. But he said that cant be a reason to stay away from the polls.

Im disappointed. Im heartbroken that the President of the United States decided to put politics ahead of good public policy, Gutierrez said. But heres what I know and I am confident of: that people need to participate in this electoral process .

Gutierrez, whos a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said he believes the president will announce broad and generous immigration reforms by the end of the year.

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minneapolis, had a similar message. He told the group to keep fighting for immigration reform.

Dont tell me youre not going to vote because youre frustrated, Ellison said. Tell me how many more people youre going to reach out to.

Unidos Votamos is a political organization formed in 2011 to increase Latino voter turnout and support the election of candidates advancing Latino issues. The group is officially nonpartisan, but it works closely with many Democrats.

Founding member Luz Maria Frias said there is concern this year that Latino voters are feeling discouraged by Washingtons inaction on immigration reform.

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Gutierrez, Ellison push Latino voter turnout