By: Ruth Hidalgo
On November 5th, the United States will hold its 60th presidential election in a close race between the Democratic and Republican candidates.
Voters will elect representatives in each state, this process will in turn decide who becomes president and vice-president.
In these elections, the youth vote is very important due to the large percentage of young people under 30 years of age, who are more involved in politics than in previous years. This generation of the “digital age” is more and better informed and this is largely due to the rise of social networks rather than traditional media. They are more active even than the generation of the 1960s that was so convulsive.
It is said that in the previous presidential elections of 2020 young people were responsible for 17% of the total electorate, in these elections of 2024 they will have a greater power of decision, especially the Latino youth because this sector of the population will go to vote with their minds set on the problems that afflict them and not in any political affiliation.
According to expert analysis, their influence could be crucial, since in the U.S. every 30 seconds a Latino turns 18, thus becoming eligible to vote in the next presidential elections. This makes this sector of the population very important. Despite this, Latino youth do not feel committed to any political party because they do not feel that their problems are being addressed and they vote for who they perceive is attentive to their needs and their situation.
The reality of the numbers indicates the power of the Latino youth for these elections, where previous research shows that one third of Latinos eligible to vote are between the ages of 18 to 29 years old, which represents 10% more than any other electorate in the US.
Similarly, other research points out that, despite the great electoral influence of Latino youth, the lack of political participation is the biggest challenge to motivate and mobilize young voters, due to three fundamental factors: the difficulty of transportation, lack of free time at work and misinformation.
For the convenience of young people, various means have been made available to facilitate their electoral registration through digital pages and platforms. Here we offer a link at your disposal to make the management easy and fast:
https://registertovote.ca.gov/es
You can also find your state or local election office to register to vote and get help with other election related matters:
https://www.usa.gov/es/oficina-elecciones-estatal-local
Dear Young Latinos
We are at a pivotal moment for our country, and your voice is more important than ever. The November 2024 elections are a vital opportunity to make our opinions heard and shape the future. It’s time to get involved, exercise our right to vote and be an active part of deciding who will lead our nation.
Every vote counts and every voice has the power to make a difference. You, who are such a significant and dynamic part of our community, have the ability to influence the issues that affect us most, from education to social and economic justice.
Get informed about the candidates and proposals, register to vote if you have not already done so, and go to the polls with determination. Together, we can make a difference and build a more just and promising future for all.
Your participation is essential! Make your voice heard and help shape the destiny of this nation!
