The number of eligible Latino voters nationwide is at an all-time high, according to a Pew Research Center’s analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, but many are wary of voting in Texas.
Latinos tend to have a low voter turnout, with many not seeing voting as a civic duty or not identifying with the candidates, according to a report by Jolt Initiative. Jolt Initiative is a non-profit aimed at increasing Latino participation in politics. The report also found many Latinos felt distrust or lacked confidence in the political process.
Overall, Pew Research data shows that more than 29 million Hispanic/Latino citizens are eligible to vote nationwide this year, or 12.8 percent of all eligible voters.
Pew’s study cites Latinos coming of age and immigrants becoming naturalized as reasons why the number is growing, a trend for the past four years.
Turnout in midterm elections, however, has been on the decline among all voters for more than a decade, according to Pew Research. Latinos hit a low of 27 percent in 2014. Rates for Asians, whites and blacks also declined after 2010.
Eligible Latino voters concentrated in six states
Pew Research also notes that more than 70 percent of eligible Latino voters live in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Arizona and Illinois. While they are concentrated in these six states, their numbers are still growing in many states.
North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina and North Carolina also have had an increase in eligible Latino voters, according to Pew.
Pew says nearly 80 percent of eligible Latino voters live in 176 congressional districts. While they make up a small share of eligible Southern voters, the South is experiencing strong population growth.
Latino voters also are more likely to be women, who care most about healthcare, immigration reform and better pay, according to the Jolt study.
The Jolt study surveyed more than 1,000 eligible Latino voters across Texas between April 1 and May 16.
