From the grocery store to the gas pump, Hispanic voters are feeling the squeeze. A recent “Unidos U.S.” poll shows the cost of living, including jobs and wages, are among the biggest concerns for families heading into the midterms. How will those concerns translate into action at the ballot box? And could they shift the Hispanic vote?
Studies show 1 in 3 Arizona voters are from the Latino community. Making their votes a huge weight in every election. How they vote, whether that be through mail or in person, is a huge factor in getting souls to the polls.
Dr. Edward Vargas, Professor in Transborder Studies and Political Research at ASU, discussed the Latino communities’ impact on the upcoming midterm elections in November.
“What we do know is that not only here in Arizona but if we look at congressional district races, which are the most important piece of this election, they’re largely represented in these districts. So they ultimately will have the potential to win,” Dr. Vargas said.
Francisco Pedraza, Director of the ASU Center for Latina/Latinos and American Politics Research, explained what the research on Latino/Latina voters is telling us about some of their decisions when it comes to voting.
“What I think it is, is that storytellers and folks who care deeply about American democracy are telling us we can identify harm. That’s not hard to do, and we’ll continue doing that when it’s necessary,” Pedraza said.
