by Sophia Ridder, reporter
According to Latin Essence, Latinos had record turnout in the 2020 election. With an estimated 2.1 million more votes than in 2016.
“They helped Biden win in Arizona and Nevada particularly. But also, has added to the vote totals in places like Pennsylvania and Georgia. So, they had a big impact in the election this year,” said Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado Professor and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO).
Cuban Americans in Florida also helped Trump secure the states 29 electoral votes, showing that the Latino vote is not as straight forward as we are led to believe.
“They don’t sing with a singular voice. There’s diverse voices in the Latino community. To me it’s a sign that they’re maturing that they’re going to be like every segment of the population. If you happen to be an Irish there’s conversative Irish and there’s liberal Irish,” said Benjamin-Alvarado.
While Benjamin-Alvarado said he saw more Latinos than ever show up to polling places like Omaha South, Nebraska State Senator Tony Vargas of district 7, says there is always more that can be done.
Vargas said: “In comparison to the rest of the city in Omaha, we still have pockets of areas that are lower voter turnout relative to higher ones. Which means that we have people with more of a voice in the electoral process or the voting process than others.”
Latinos are frustrated by a lack of outreach from political candidates on both sides of the aisle. Vargas said the key to getting these votes is more engagement.
“It’s going to be by doing some you know mail and engagement in Spanish. It’s going to be by using culturally inclusive mechanisms. Using the Latino media stations that are in the community, that have the trust of the community. Like Mundo Latino, Telemundo Nebraska, and Radio Lobo,” said Vargas.
