The Power of the Latinx Vote: Why Every Vote Counts in 2024

Written by Lea Guevara

As election day approaches one group is poised to make waves in determining the future of this country: the Latinx community. 

With millions of eligible Latinx voters across the United States, the power of the Latinx vote is undeniable. In a year where issues ranging from immigration to healthcare, to climate change, are at the forefront of national debates, it’s more crucial than ever for Latinx citizens to flex their political muscle and use their vote as a tool for change.

The Latinx population is one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the U.S., and in 2024, they are expected to represent a huge portion of the electorate. Yet, despite their growing influence, voter turnout in Latinx communities has historically lagged behind other groups. Many young voters, especially those born in the U.S., have voiced frustration with the political system. Many feel disconnected from a process that overlooks their needs, concerns, and aspirations.

“It’s About Our Future”

“I want to make sure that my voice counts. We’ve seen politicians ignore us for too long. We can’t keep letting that slide,” says Mariana Gomez, a sophomore who just became eligible to vote. In times like these, we need to educate ourselves on who is in power, and who is the person representing us as a community. For us to see change we have to act ourselves because if there is no fight for improvement it’s never going to happen.

“For me, it’s about making sure that issues like immigration reform and access to affordable education are taken seriously,” Gomez added. “The election is the only way to make that happen.”

Gomez’s sentiment is echoed by many young Latinx voters across the country. While issues like immigration are front and center, there are also pressing concerns related to climate justice, student loan forgiveness, healthcare, and economic opportunity. In 2024, it’s clear that Latinx voters are not just showing up—they are mobilizing, organizing, and demanding real change.

Bridging the Language Barrier

One of the challenges of reaching Latinx voters is the language barrier. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 1 in 4 Latinx voters are Spanish-dominant. Carlos Crespo, another Howard student, said Spanish-language resources and media have made a significant difference in his awareness of the election. “I feel like there’s more information now that’s being shared in Spanish. News outlets, influencers, and even political campaigns are reaching out in ways that weren’t happening before.”

This growing presence of Spanish-language outreach is essential, not only for encouraging first-time voters but also for informing the older generation that might not have had access to this information previously. The more inclusive this election is, the more likely there will be a surge in Latinx voter participation.

The Struggle for Representation

While the push for increased voter turnout is gaining momentum, it’s clear that many Latinx individuals still feel marginalized by the political establishment. For some, the sense of alienation runs deep—particularly in the wake of divisive rhetoric surrounding immigration and race.

“I’ve seen how my family members, especially older ones, feel like their vote won’t matter. They have been told that their concerns are ‘too immigrant-centered,’ and that can make people feel excluded,” says Andres Lopez, a senior majoring in political science at Howard. “But this election is different. We are seeing more Latinx candidates running for office, and that gives me hope.”

The increased presence of Latinx candidates on local and national ballots is a sign of progress. And as younger generations push for change, the Latinx community’s influence is only going to grow stronger. In the 2024 elections, it’s clear that the Latinx vote will not be a passive force. It will be a driving one.

Why Their Vote Matters

For many young Latinx voters, the stakes could not be higher. The policies set by elected officials will affect their future in ways that are impossible to ignore. From the fight for racial equity to climate action, the 2024 elections are an opportunity to make tangible progress on issues that matter most.

Voting is more than just a right for them—it’s a responsibility. The power of the Latinx vote can no longer be understated. During this election, 56% of Latino men said they voted for Harris, compared to 43% who selected Trump. Most men tend to lean more toward the male candidate. In this case, we see there is a big change in the number of men who voted for Harris. In many of the few states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, it showed that between Oct. 18 and Nov. 4, the survey targeted more than 9,000 Latino, Black, Native American, Asian American, and white voters

The Latinx community’s voice has the potential to reshape the political landscape.

Whether in Spanish or English, whether in the streets or at the polls, Latinx voters have made their mark on this election.