By Karen Gutiérrez
Posted Oct 24, 2024
As the 2024 elections approach, the Latino community positions itself as a key group in electing that nation’s next President. According to Pew Research data, in 2024, 36.2 million Latinos are eligible to vote (i.e., they are adult U.S. citizens), up 4 million since 2020 and more than double the 14.3 million Latino eligible voters in 2000. As a result, Latino voters are now the nation’s second-largest group of eligible voters – ahead of Black voters and Asian American voters and behind White voters. With so many Latino eligible voters nationally, they make up notable shares of voters in several of this year’s battleground states.
With a diversity of opinions and concerns, Latinos hope that the newly elected president will address crucial issues affecting their lives; from education and access to healthcare, to immigration reform and employment, the needs are varied and urgent.
Members of Colorado’s Latino community offered their point of view on presidential candidates and the upcoming election. Watch the El Semanario interviews here.
“Trump puts so much pressure on Latinos,” said Luis Martinez, a Colorado business owner, interviewed in the video. “I have been working here for 27 years and have never received help from the government. I’ve paid my taxes…and no one has given me anything,” noted Martínez, indicating that Latinos contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
Many expect a more inclusive approach that reflects the cultural richness and challenges the community faces. The hope is that the next leader will not only listen but also take action to improve the quality of life for millions of Latinos in the United States.
María Gómez, community activist noted the former president’s negative and derogatory narrative regarding immigrants in the United States.
“With Donald Trump, he doesn’t want us—the immigrants—because he thinks we come to harm the country, which is not true. I believe we all come for a purpose, and we are hardworking, honest people,” said Gómez.
As the campaigns progress, it is essential that candidates commit to understanding and addressing these concerns, and that the Latino community continues to make its voice heard. The future is in their hands, and the time to act is now. The Latino community is ready to be part of the change!
Watch the El Semanario video here.
Karen Gutiérrez is an Independent Digital Journalist for El Semanario.
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