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Latino vote grows but faces challenges

Posted at 4:04 PM, Oct 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-24 19:13:24-04

With less than two weeks away from the midterms, a group representing the Latino vote says there's opportunity and challenges for the demographic.

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials says more than 7.8 million latino voters are expected to vote on Nov. 6, a 15 percent increase from 2014.

In Arizona, that makes up more than 486,000 people

The number of Latinos serving in the U.S. House could grow by as many as seven, increasing from 34 to 41.

The NALEO Educational Fund estimates voter ID laws may impair at least 1 million eligible voters who are Latino. 

According to the survey, 46 percent reported at least one issue voting in the primary, including long wait time, precinct errors and registration hold ups. Ten percent reported running into language barriers. 

Furthermore, 16 percent lack a government-issued photo ID required to vote. 

“With Latino voters preparing to turn out in historic numbers and a bipartisan group of Latino candidates are running for office, the Latino community is leaving no doubt that it is the political future of this nation,” stated Arturo Vargas, NALEO Educational Fund chief executive officer.  “Despite this fact, Latinos are once again being ignored by campaigns at the same rates our community experienced in 2016.  This is simply unacceptable.  Latinos are ready to make their voices heard, but we need a reason to show up.  It is time that our nation’s political parties and candidates put their money where their mouths are and invest in meaningful outreach efforts that give Latino voters a clear reason why they should come out to support them on Election Day.