Gen Z Latinx Voters Struggle with 2024 Election Choices: Trump vs. Harris
Gen Z Latinx voters face uncertainty regarding the 2024 presidential candidates, primarily due to concerns over immigration policies. Some express a lack of trust in Vice President Kamala Harris’s ability to create change, while others consider supporting former President Donald Trump for economic reasons. Activism takes precedence over electoral participation, leading to increased ambivalence and low voter registration within this demographic.
In the context of the forthcoming 2024 elections, Gen Z voters within the Latinx community are expressing significant ambivalence towards both presidential candidates. A recent initiative by ABC7 titled “The Z Vote” highlights the complex political landscape shaped by their concerns, particularly regarding immigration policies. Alina Andino, a 26-year-old Latinx voter, articulates a sentiment of uncertainty, stating her reluctance to support either candidate. She remarked, “We can fix your houses; you can have our tacos. But the people that live in Mexico, or say, Puerto Rico, you know, can’t come here safely without a bunch of hate.” Andino is not alone in her indecision, as many in her age group show a tendency to engage more in activism than in traditional electoral politics. Sylvia Puente, President of the Latino Policy Forum, notes that younger voters are significantly less inclined to participate in elections, as evidenced by their low registration rates. Perla Santoyo, another member of Gen Z, has criticized the ongoing struggle to mobilize her peers for the electoral process. She emphasizes the importance of voting for those who, like her, are still awaiting U.S. citizenship: “They have the ability to make a difference.” However, there exists a notable trust deficit regarding the candidates’ commitments to reforming immigration policy. For instance, Rolando Herrejon, age 25, voices his skepticism towards Vice President Kamala Harris, following her evasive response to a critical question posed during an appearance on “The View.” He states, “What would be the point of having somebody to come into presidency and change nothing?” This has led Herrejon to consider supporting former President Donald Trump, primarily focusing on economic issues. Conversely, Andino views Harris as the “lesser evil” due to her outreach efforts targeting the Latino community, including Spanish-speaking advertisements. She further advocates for women’s representation in politics, asserting, “Women run the world. And I always tell people, like, if women weren’t popping out babies, none of us would be here even having this conversation.” This dual perspective epitomizes the internal conflict among young Latinx voters as they navigate their choices for the upcoming presidential election.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, young voters, particularly within the Latinx demographic, are exhibiting a growing discontent with the political options presented to them. This demographic is characterized by a notable engagement in activism, often prioritizing protest politics over traditional voting. Immigration policy stands out as a pivotal issue, particularly given the complex realities faced by immigrants in the U.S. The lack of faith in both major candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, bears significant implications for voter turnout among this group, particularly Gen Z individuals who have historically had lower voter registration and turnout rates.
In conclusion, the uncertainties expressed by Gen Z Latinx voters highlight critical challenges in mobilizing this demographic for the 2024 elections. Concerns surrounding immigration policies and the candidates’ commitment to substantive change are central to their ambivalence. While some individuals like Andino lean toward supporting Vice President Harris for her outreach to the community, others like Herrejon consider supporting Trump for economic reasons. This complex landscape underscores the necessity for candidates to address the specific needs and concerns of young voters in order to cultivate broader support among this influential group.
Original Source: abc7chicago.com
