Gen Z Latinx Voters Express Uncertainty in 2024 Election Candidates

In preparation for the 2024 presidential election, many Generation Z Latinx voters express uncertainty regarding their support for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, primarily due to dissatisfaction with immigration policies. Although some consider abstaining from voting, others strive to advocate for change, recognizing the power of their collective voice in shaping future policies.

In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, a significant number of Generation Z voters within the Latinx community express ambivalence towards both leading candidates, President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. This sentiment emerges from a deep-seated skepticism regarding the candidates’ immigration policies, which are critical issues for many young Hispanic individuals. Alina Andino, a 26-year-old Latinx Gen Z voter, articulated her concerns by 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 participate in the election, she has contemplated abstaining from voting altogether, a viewpoint echoed by others in her demographic. Sylvia Puente, President of the Latino Policy Forum, noted that youth engagement tends to favor protest activities rather than electoral participation, leading to a lower registration rate among Latino voters, particularly Gen Z individuals. Perla Santoyo, another member of Gen Z, expressed her frustration regarding the prevalent apathy towards voting within her generation, highlighting that she has endured a lengthy wait to obtain U.S. citizenship and is relying on her peers to make an impact at the polls. The hesitancy among young voters is primarily rooted in their distrust of Vice President Harris to effectively address citizenship issues. Additionally, Rolando Herrejon, a 25-year-old voter, articulated his skepticism towards Harris’s responses during interviews, particularly regarding her lack of distinct plans compared to her predecessor, President Biden. Despite this, he indicated his support towards Trump predominantly for economic reasons. Conversely, Andino regards Harris as the “lesser evil,” acknowledging her outreach efforts towards the Latino community through Spanish language advertisements. Moreover, she emphasized the importance of supporting a woman in a presidential role by stating, “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.” As the election approaches, it is clear that candidates must address the concerns of young Latinx voters, particularly around immigration policies, if they hope to secure their support and participation in the electoral process.

The growing political participation of Generation Z, particularly within the Latinx community, reflects a critical demographic shift in the American electorate. This group is characterized by its unique social values, activism, and a strong emphasis on important issues such as immigration and economic equity. As such, understanding the perspectives of these young voters and their hesitance regarding traditional political engagement is crucial for candidates aiming to resonate with this constituency. Factors influencing their voting decisions include historical grievances, compliance with policies that may not represent their interests, and an overall sense of disenfranchisement, particularly when it comes to immigration reform.

In summary, Generation Z Latinx voters are navigating a complex political landscape as they prepare for the 2024 election. Their hesitance to fully support either candidate reflects broader concerns about immigration policies and a desire for substantive change. As this young demographic becomes increasingly influential, candidates will need to address their unique concerns to foster greater voter participation and confidence.

Original Source: abc7chicago.com