There are still many undecided voters, including the Latino vote in Michigan, ahead of the November election.
According to data, there are 400,000 eligible Latino voters in the state.
Veda Avila, a first-generation Mexican American, plans to vote.
“I’m so nervous because I see it’s so close,” said Avila, the mother of three.
Avila said she’s concerned about the economy and inflation, which illustrates how pocketbook issues are just as important to the voting block as to other demographics.
Other important issues to Latino voters include a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas War and reproductive rights.
There’s also a push for border security and immigration reform.
“But there’s a difference between border security and a path towards citizenship for people who are immigrants,” said Angele Reyes, founder and executive director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Center.
The center, along with other Latino groups across the state, is part of a coalition working to boost Latino voter turnout.
During the 2022 midterm election, the coalition significantly increased turnout.
“We were able to increase voter turnout by 15% across the state of Michigan,” Reyes said.
Recently, the Hispanic Federation released a comprehensivenational poll targeting Latino voters living in key battleground states, including Michigan.
It shows more Latino voters grew interested in the election after Pres. Biden bowed out of the race.
Latino voter enthusiasm is high, with 71% of voters reporting that they plan to vote.
In Michigan, the figure is 74%.
The problem is that some lack a game plan for casting their ballot, and what information they are getting is just plain wrong.
“I was coming here, and one of the drivers that took us here said she kept hearing in the community that some of the people she takes on the cab are saying, ‘Oh, don’t worry because I’m going to be voting by phone,’” said Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation.
Outside of Florida, most Latino voters in swing states say they’ll more than likely vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.
When it comes to congressional races, 19% of Michigan Latinos are still undecided, and some reported they may opt to sit out this election like Avila’s son.
“I have to convince my son,” Avila said. “But, we’ll see.”
