Jorge Velázquez, a 33-year-old barber in Maryland, has abstained from voting since leaving Puerto Rico over a decade ago. He feels neither candidate in the upcoming election represents him, with Biden lacking a reputation for supporting Latinos and Trump displaying anti-immigrant sentiments. Despite his wife’s Salvadoran background and ongoing legalization process, Velázquez remains pessimistic about the immigration system regardless of the election’s outcome.
Many Latinos, especially the youth, show high abstention rates in the US. With more than 36 million eligible Hispanic voters this year, organizations like the Hispanic Federation work to increase voter registration and participation among Latinos. These efforts face challenges, including stringent ID requirements in some states like Georgia and Texas, which disproportionately affect minority communities.
Despite obstacles, building a sense of belonging and empowerment is crucial for Latino voter engagement. Flavia Rodríguez, a Mexican immigrant, highlights the discrimination her family faces in the US and the lack of awareness and importance placed on voting in Latino culture.