A Growing Influence on America’s Future
By JP
Across the United States, Latino voices are making waves in schools, businesses, and cultural spaces. This vibrant presence isn’t just shaping communities; it’s creating a powerful movement with the potential to influence the country’s future at the ballot box. Each Latino vote holds the power to steer critical policies, making Latino participation in elections more vital than ever.
Alex Joe Arroyo, a Philadelphia resident and father, reflected on why this election is especially crucial for young Latinos:
“As a father who’s deeply concerned about my children’s future and the direction our country is heading, I feel it’s absolutely crucial for young Latinos to participate in the voting process. This wasn’t always the case for me; when I was younger, a lot of us didn’t vote. There was a mix of disillusionment and a sense of being underrepresented.”
For Arroyo and many others, voting was once seen as ineffective, but today, the stakes have transformed.
“Our community has grown, not just in numbers but also in our potential influence,” Arroyo said. “Voting is now like building blocks for us: each vote helps shape policies that impact our daily lives and our families’ well-being.”
This belief resonates with younger generations, including students like Jasmine Ramirez, a junior majoring in media and communication at Chestnut Hill College. Ramirez emphasized the urgency of this election, especially for young Latinos.
“This is a huge election for America,” Ramirez said. “It’s actually really close, which makes it a bit scary, too. It feels like a do-or-die situation in a way. If Donald Trump were to win, it could mean a lot of negative changes, especially for Latinos and Hispanics.”
She noted that the upcoming election is critical for young people, who, by voting, begin a lifelong engagement with democracy.
“Voting is one of the most direct ways we can use our voices,” Ramirez said, “and we have to start with what might be the most important election of our lives.”
Latino votes are becoming increasingly impactful, especially as the community faces issues at the forefront of current politics, including education, healthcare, and immigration reform. Recent events highlight the challenges Latino communities encounter. At a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe sparked backlash for offensive remarks about Puerto Rico. His comments drew widespread condemnation, including from Jaime Longo, a Chestnut Hill College staff member.
“Although I’m not a member of the Latino community, I work with students from Puerto Rico and other Latin backgrounds, and I’m horrified that someone would describe them and their families in those kinds of terms,” Longo said.
The incident underscores the continued struggles against stereotypes and prejudices that can undermine the community’s sense of unity and belonging.
High-profile Puerto Rican artists like Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin quickly condemned Hinchcliffe’s comments, rallying their fans to stand up for their heritage and community through voting. Vice President Kamala Harris also responded, pledging to create a Puerto Rico Opportunity Task Force to address issues facing Puerto Ricans and combat divisive rhetoric.
In battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Latino voters are expected to play a decisive role. Economic concerns, affordable housing, and quality education rank high on Latino voters’ priority lists. Although some Latino voters identify with Republican views on issues like immigration and health autonomy, Democratic outreach currently appears stronger. Local organizers note that beyond immigration, Latinos value career growth, affordable living, and respect, suggesting that both parties need to engage with the community’s nuanced concerns.
JP: As we approach the 2024 election, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Latino community has a pivotal role to play. Can you share why voting is such a critical platform for amplifying Latino voices and values?
Yovana Bustamante, Executive Director of Posibilidades Infinitas and Advocate for Neurodiversity and Inclusion: Absolutely. Community engagement and voting are essential for Latinos, as our votes shape policies that impact our lives and futures. It’s more than just casting a ballot—it’s about expressing our values, asserting our influence on democracy, and advocating for our needs and the well-being of future generations.
JP: What role do Latino organizations play in this movement?
Bustamante: Latino organizations are key players. They help educate and mobilize our community, ensuring that our voices are not only heard but respected. By actively engaging in the political process, we’re ensuring a future where all Americans can thrive and where our community’s unique contributions and needs are acknowledged.
