Article Summary –
Recent data reveals Arizona’s Latino voters, who constitute 25% of the electorate, aren’t swayed by party rhetoric, stressing diverse priorities. A survey shows strong 2024 turnout plans, with 77% certain to vote. Challenges for Democrats include appealing to values over party symbolism and engaging disengaged voters.
New data released last month challenges longstanding misconceptions about Arizona’s Latino electorate, warning Democrats who might assume their vote. Latino voters are not a monolithic group and have diverse political views and priorities, focusing on issues impacting their families and communities.
In Arizona, 1.3 million eligible voters are Latino, doubling since 2000 and now making up 25% of the state’s electorate.
Latino voter turnout
Data for Social Good and LUCHA surveyed over 1,000 Arizona Latinos. The survey highlighted the Latino community’s political power.
“Our work extends beyond elections, using data to empower Latinos in Arizona and nationwide,” said Alejandra Gomez, LUCHA’s executive director. “The data guides our advocacy and policy efforts.”
Survey findings include:
- Most Latino voters feel the Republican Party overlooks their issues.
- Over 90% of Latino voters plan to vote in the 2024 election, with 77% absolutely certain, indicating strong turnout.
- Nearly 80% believe voting drives meaningful change, showcasing their civic power.
- 39% of Latino voters identify as moderate, 36% as liberal, and about 25% as conservative.
The data shows a significant portion of Latinos, nearly 30%, identify as neither Democrat nor Republican. Democrats remain preferred, holding twice the support of Republicans.
“Latinos make informed choices based on values and issues,” Gomez said. Unaffiliated voters often get overlooked, receiving no relevant outreach.
A red mirage
The notion that Latinos lean Republican is false. Arizona Latinos align more with Democratic values, though Democrats need to genuinely represent issues important to Latinos.
“We are active participants in politics, ready to make our voices heard,” said Gomez. “Political campaigns must abandon temporary, superficial outreach.”
Latinos are diverse, influenced by national origins, class, and other factors, said Lisa García Bedolla, President of Data for Social Good. Immigration isn’t a top issue for most, but the stance on it affects perceptions of Latino respect.
Despite stereotypes, over a third of Latino voters have U.S. roots going back four generations, data shows.
Role of immigration
During a campaign visit, Mexican-American band Los Tigres Del Norte performed for Harris, encouraging Latino voter turnout. Their songs resonated with the Latino working class struggles, appealing to voters like Glendale resident Liz Garza, who feels a connection with Harris, both being daughters of immigrants.
While Harris support isn’t always vocal, door-to-door interactions reveal backing. However, Garza notes outreach lacks consistency, leaving voters feeling undervalued by both parties.
Trust in consistent engagement
Latinos trust groups like LUCHA over Democrats, Gomez noted. LUCHA’s year-round community connection builds trust, showing Latinos they hold power to effect change.
“Communities trust LUCHA to guide them toward impactful change on issues they care about,” Gomez said. LUCHA’s data-driven outreach informs their ongoing engagement, ensuring they address Latino concerns.
—
Read More Arizona News
