Latino voters’ impact: UnidosUS unveils groundbreaking poll and Data Hub for 2024 election

UnidosUS, in partnership with Mi Familia Vota and BSP research, recently released this year’s most expansive poll on the Latino electorate and launched the Hispanic Electorate Data Hub leading up to the 2024 elections.

In a groundbreaking effort to amplify the power of the Latino community, UnidosUS has teamed up with Mi Familia Vota, a national civic engagement organization, to embark on a multi-year, multi-state initiative aiming to build a comprehensive understanding of the Hispanic electorate, foster increased civic engagement and champion the Latino community’s priorities.

One of the key milestones of this initiative is the release of a comprehensive poll conducted by BSP Research, offering timely insights into the perspectives and priorities of Hispanic voters, a crucial demographic in the upcoming 2024 elections. The survey reveals a diverse range of concerns among the Latino community, with economic issues taking center stage. Housing affordability, a rising concern, has entered the top five priorities for the first time, indicating the pressing need for solutions in this area.

During a national press briefing announcing the launch of the poll and Data Hub, Clarissa Martínez De Castro, UnidosUS Vice President for the Latino Vote Initiative, said: “Because we see that every election cycle there are continued misperceptions and mistaken assumptions about this electorate that get recycled, we will continue providing research and analysis to advance an accurate understanding of these voters. Our aim is that this accurate understanding can lead to more effective engagement with these voters and greater responses to their concerns. Candidates matter. Their positions matter. And meaningful outreach is essential.”

Diverse concerns on the radar

Economic and pocketbook issues are the biggest concern for Latino voters going into 2024, with inflation, rising living costs, jobs, healthcare and housing affordability also dominating the list. Notably, housing makes its debut as a standalone top-five concern, signaling the urgency surrounding affordability. UnidosUS is working toward addressing this concern through our HOME initiative, working to transform the economic trajectory of Latino families by advancing systemic change to create 4 million new Latino homeowners by 2030.

Gun violence, a persisting issue, maintains its place among Latino’s top concerns, while overwhelming opposition to efforts making abortion illegal echoes a steadfast commitment to reproductive rights. The poll also underscores a growing emphasis on immigration concerns, including a path to citizenship for long-residing undocumented individuals and DACA recipients. The urgent call for climate action resounds strongly among Latino voters. Over 80% throw their support behind Medicaid expansion in states yet to implement it, emphasizing the need for accessible healthcare.

Shaping the future

In 2024, 22% of Latinos will be voting in a presidential election for the first time, with a significant 38% of the Latino electorate comprising new voters since 2016. The rapid growth of the Latino electorate underscores the dire need for authentic and meaningful outreach to Hispanic voters.

Warnings for both parties

While Latino voters perceive Democrats as better suited to handle top priorities than Republicans, there does not appear to be overwhelming trust, indicating a pressing need for both parties to deepen engagement and expand support among Latinos.

Martínez De Castro stated: “Hispanic voters can be a stabilizing force in American politics. As illustrated in this and previous polls, they generally reject extremes, oppose taking away rights, and want to see elected officials willing to work together to get things done. It’s about solutions.”

Uplifting Latino voices

As we approach the 2024 elections, UnidosUS’s Latino Vote Initiative stands as a beacon of empowerment, encouraging Latino voices to be heard and valued in the broader political landscape. UnidosUS and Mi Familia Vota are offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Latino electorate, urging the nation to listen, understand and embrace the diversity that defines this crucial voting bloc.

Through voter registration efforts, Get-Out-the-Vote initiatives, policy advocacy, research and litigation, UnidosUS has been a driving force in ensuring that the path to the voting booth remains open and accessible for all Americans.

Explore the Hispanic Electorate Data Hub and become a part of the movement shaping the narrative of Latino political engagement.