Generation Z Latinx Voters: Navigating Political Uncertainty in the 2024 Election
A significant number of Generation Z Latinx voters express uncertainty and discontent with both presidential candidates for the 2024 election, primarily due to concerns regarding immigration policies. While some are exploring options like supporting Donald Trump for economic reasons, others view Kamala Harris as the “lesser evil” due to her outreach efforts toward the Latino community; however, the overall engagement of young Latinx voters remains notably low, with many preferring protest over traditional voting.
In the pursuit of understanding the political inclinations of Generation Z Latinx voters regarding the 2024 presidential election, ABC7 has launched a new series titled “The Z Vote,” which explores the pivotal issues influencing young Hispanic individuals. Initial discussions reveal a palpable uncertainty among these voters, particularly towards the incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, primarily stemming from concerns surrounding immigration policies. Alina Andino, a 26-year-old Latinx voter, articulates her frustrations, stating, “We can fix your houses; you can have our tacos. But the people that live in Mexico, or say, Puerto Rico, you know, can’t come here safely without a bunch of hate.” Despite her intention to vote, Andino expresses reservations about participating in the electoral process altogether, a sentiment echoed by many in her demographic. Sylvia Puente, President of the Latino Policy Forum, informs that Latino citizens experience the lowest rates of registered voters among eligible voters, a trend particularly pronounced within the Gen Z cohort who display a preference for protest and activism over traditional electoral engagement. Perla Santoyo, a fellow Gen Z member, emphasizes the need for active participation among her peers, voicing her frustration at the apathy surrounding voter turnout. As someone awaiting U.S. citizenship for 25 years, she relies on her contemporaries to advocate for change on her behalf, suggesting that they embody the potential to influence significant outcomes in the election. However, this potential for change is hindered by deep-seated skepticism about the candidates, particularly regarding immigration reform. Young voters like Rolando Herrejon express their mistrust towards Vice President Harris, who failed to provide a distinct vision during an interview on “The View,” stating, “There is not a thing that comes to mind.” This response raises concerns among voters about the effectiveness of her leadership. Herrejon admits he temporarily supports Trump, citing economic reasons despite fears regarding potential deportation policies. Conversely, Andino refers to Harris as the “lesser evil” due to her outreach efforts toward the Latino community, including Spanish-language advertisements, and acknowledges the importance of supporting female leadership. As she aptly puts it, “Women run the world. And I always tell people, like, if women weren’t popping out babies, none of us would be here even having this conversation.”
The Latinx community in the United States, particularly among younger voters, is facing a pivotal moment as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Many in this demographic feel disillusioned by the current political candidates, leading to a hesitancy to participate in the electoral process. The topic of immigration policy is a significant point of contention, influencing how these voters perceive potential leaders and their commitment to addressing urgent issues within their communities. This segment of the population represents an essential voting bloc, and understanding their perspectives is crucial for grasping the electoral dynamics at play.
In conclusion, Generation Z Latinx voters exhibit considerable ambivalence towards the upcoming presidential election, with immigration policies playing a critical role in shaping their opinions about candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. While some express a willingness to participate and promote change, a substantial number remains skeptical about the efficacy of both candidates in addressing issues pertinent to the Latinx community. The engagement of this demographic is vital, as their voices can significantly influence the election outcomes, yet their lack of confidence presents a challenge that both candidates must address.
Original Source: abc7chicago.com
