How has the Latino voter intention changed compared to the 2020 presidential election?

As the United States gears up for the 2024 presidential election, the Latino electorate emerges as the crucial force in deciding who will be in the White House next year.

Research from the Pew Research Center could shed a light on how important this voting bloc could be in November.

Why Latino Americans are wielding more power than ever

The Hispanic eligible voter population has experienced substantial growth since 2020. An estimated 36.2 million Latinos are now eligible to vote in 2024, up from 32.3 million in the previous presidential election. This increase of nearly 4 million voters represents 50% of the total growth in eligible voters during this period, highlighting the expanding influence of the Latino electorate.

The Latino voter base is notably younger than the overall electorate. Only 33% of Hispanic eligible voters are 50 years or older, compared to 48% of all US eligible voters.

All this contributes to a benefit for the Democrats as Latino voters have historically favored Democratic candidates; in the 2020 election, 61% of Latino voters supported Joe Biden, compared to 36% for Donald Trump.

Findings from the Hispanic Federation have a slightly narrowed result, but one still very much in Democrats’ favor. With such a tight race predicted support from this group is crucial.

“The findings of our poll confirm what we have been saying all along: Latino voters are paying attention and will be the deciding factor in the 2024 election,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation.

“However, the poll also reveals that there is still a lot of work to do around Latino outreach and engagement, and the candidates must do more to engage Latinos on the issues that resonate with them,” he continued.

Indeed, only 53% of Latinos in the country are eligible to vote. This lower eligibility rate compared to the general population (72%) due to factors such as struggles for citizenship.