Young Latino voters in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Georgia could be pivotal in the 2024 presidential election, but many are currently not motivated to vote or support a candidate. Issues such as Israel’s war in Gaza, climate change, rising living costs, immigration, and abortion are important to these young voters, who primarily get their news from TikTok. Democrat-leaning young voters are crucial, as national polls show a tight race among all voters, and Republicans acknowledge that winning over the youth vote could make a significant impact on the election results.
While young voters tend to favor Democrats, there is concern that they might not show up to vote in large numbers, particularly in key battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. Issues like climate change and rising housing costs are key concerns for young Latinos, many of whom feel that neither major party adequately addresses their needs. The dissatisfaction with the current political landscape is leading some to consider not voting at all or supporting a third-party candidate, despite the potential impact this could have on the outcome of the election.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has also played a role in shaping young Latino voters’ perspectives on the candidates. Many express frustration with the U.S.’s financial support for Israel and are critical of the lack of adequate responses from the presidential candidates. The issues of immigration and deportation also hit close to home for many young Latino college students, who are children of immigrants or have undocumented family members. Concerns about increased immigration enforcement and deportations are causing anxiety among these young voters, potentially driving them to support candidates who prioritize immigrant rights.
Abortion rights have also emerged as a crucial issue for young Latino voters, with many supporting a woman’s right to choose and expressing concerns about recent legal restrictions on abortion. This issue could mobilize young voters, with a substantial number citing it as a motivating factor in their decision to vote in the upcoming election. While Democrats are actively engaging with young Latino voters on these issues, there are challenges in mobilizing them to participate in the electoral process, particularly in swing states.
As the election approaches, both major parties are ramping up their outreach to young Latino voters, recognizing their potential impact on the election outcome. Republicans and Democrats are vying for the support of these young voters, who are key to securing victory in battleground states. Despite the efforts to engage young voters earlier and more intensively, there remains a sense of disillusionment among this demographic, with many feeling disconnected from the political process and unsure of how their vote can make a difference. The challenge for Democrats, especially Biden, lies in motivating young voters to overcome their apathy and participate in the democratic process.
