West LA Times

As the 2024 presidential election nears, a new research brief from the Latina Futures 2050 Lab sheds light on the increasing influence of Latina voters in U.S. politics. Latinas are anticipated to play a crucial role in determining electoral outcomes, particularly in key battleground states.

The brief indicates that Latinas represent 12% of all women registered to vote in the United States and could significantly impact five states where they constitute more than 20% of registered voters: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. In the 2020 presidential election, 68% of registered Latinas voted, surpassing Latino men's turnout by six percentage points. This trend suggests potential for substantial voter turnout that could alter election results.

Latinas tend to be younger than other demographic groups, with a median age of 45 compared to non-Hispanic white women's median age of 53. This youthfulness offers an opportunity to cultivate a young and engaged voting bloc. In states such as Arizona and Texas, Latina involvement in critical debates like reproductive rights is already influencing political landscapes.

Authored by Veronica Terriquez, director of the Chicano Studies Research Center; Steven Carmona Mora from UCLA; and Sonja Diaz from the Latino Policy and Politics Institute and co-founder of Latina Futures 2050 Lab, the brief highlights these trends.

“This election cycle is a historic moment for Latinas to shape the future of U.S. politics,” Terriquez stated. "Latinas are not only a growing segment of the electorate but they can also play an influential role within their communities." She emphasized that addressing their concerns could mobilize family members and networks to influence elections now and in future cycles.

Latina Futures focuses on engaging Latinas to ensure vibrant democratic participation where underrepresented voices are heard. By understanding electoral impacts on their communities, Latinas encourage civic engagement among low-propensity voters. The brief advises candidates and campaigns to adopt culturally tailored strategies that address Latinas' policy concerns as outreach efforts intensify before November.