Latinos in North Carolina, particularly young voters like Josahandy Avila and Gema, are feeling disillusioned and unsure about the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Avila, a first-generation Mexican American, is concerned about important issues like immigration, reproductive rights, education, healthcare, and the economy. She feels that neither President Joe Biden nor Donald Trump are addressing these issues adequately.
The state’s Latino population has grown significantly over the past decade, making up more than 1.1 million residents, with a significant number being registered voters. However, Latino voter turnout has been decreasing in recent years, posing a challenge for organizations like Siembra NC, which is working to engage and register Latino voters across five counties.
Nikki Marín Baena emphasizes the importance of focusing on hyper-local issues like labor rights and wage theft to appeal to Latino voters who may feel disengaged from federal politics. The dissatisfaction with both major parties is also reflected in young Latino voters nationally, with many feeling that Biden and the Democrats do not truly care about their community.
On the Republican side, efforts to appeal to Latino voters are centered around economic issues like inflation and home ownership. Despite the challenges, both parties are investing in outreach to the Latino community in North Carolina, with the Democrats highlighting President Biden’s achievements and the Republicans focusing on economic concerns.
Ultimately, for voters like Gema and her mother Zaza, the decision to vote is seen as a responsibility and a way to make a difference, no matter how small. In a diverse state like North Carolina, Latino voters will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
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