What are Latino voters concerned about?

By José López Zamorano/ April 16, 2024
 

With less than seven months until the November 5th election, the talk is growing louder: Latinos could be divisive in the outcome.  

Of the six so-called “swing” states that could tip the presidential election one way or the other, Arizona and Nevada are emerging as key places where the Latino vote might make all the difference. 

In Arizona, about a quarter of likely voters are Latino, according to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). 

Nevada is in a similar position, where nearly one in five registered voters are Latino. These voters tend to be younger and less tied to either major party compared to non-Latinos. 

But here’s the twist: A series of polls by The New York Times and Siena College show that Latino support for President Joe Biden is fading compared to the 2020 presidential election. 

A new survey by UnidosUS, formerly known as the National Council of La Raza, highlights that the economy is the top concern of Hispanic voters right now.  

Eighty-two percent of Latinos surveyed said rising costs for food and basic living expenses are stressing them out. Seventy-six percent are worried about the costs of buying or renting a home. Gas prices are a concern for 67%, and 51% are feeling the punch of health care costs, including medications and doctor visits.   

When it comes to jobs, 58% said their current job doesn't pay enough, making them consider picking up a second job just to get by. Forty percent said their job does not offer paid leave or sick days, and 37% are worried about layoffs or having their hours cut. 

For those who said health care is a top issue, 66% pointed to high costs like premiums, co-pays and deductibles, while 53% are concerned about the price of prescription drugs.  

“Concerns about personal financial circumstances and continued stressful economic experiences underscore the feelings of pessimism prevalent across all demographic groups,” UnidosUS said. 

The bottom line: Many Latinos are feeling pessimistic about the country’s direction, and most do not see either party as effectively their biggest concern. 

The message for Democrats and Republicans is clear: If you want to win the Hispanic vote, it is not just about speaking in Spanish. You’ve got to address their most urgent needs and the hopes of an electorate whose support is not guaranteed.  

The original Spanish-language article can be found here on La Red Hispana.