In the lead up to the 2024 election, Gen Z Latinx voters express uncertainty towards candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, largely focusing on immigration policies. Many young voters feel disconnected from traditional political engagement, preferring activism. Their choices reflect a struggle between trust in candidates and the desire for impactful change, with some opting to support Trump for economic reasons while others view Harris as the “lesser evil.”
As the 2024 election approaches, a significant number of Latinx Gen Z voters express uncertainty regarding their options between current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Many within this demographic are now prioritizing immigration reform and have expressed dissatisfaction with both candidates’ stances on this crucial issue. In interviews conducted by ABC7, Alina Andino, a 26-year-old Latinx voter, articulated her frustrations, stating, “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.” The sentiment of disillusionment is echoed by Sylvia Puente, president of the Latino Policy Forum, who noted the growing trend among young people to engage more in protest movements rather than traditional electoral politics. This could be contributing to lower registration rates among eligible Latino voters, particularly those from the Gen Z cohort. Perla Santoyo, another member of Gen Z, underscored the urgency of the situation, sharing her own journey toward citizenship and the hope she places on her peers to influence the electoral outcome. There is a clear divide in support for the candidates based on their perceived effectiveness in addressing immigration policies. Rolando Herrejon, 25, demonstrated this sentiment by highlighting a past interview with Harris, stating, “What would be the point of having somebody to come into presidency and change nothing?” this has led him to consider Trump primarily for his economic policies, despite his concerns over potential mass deportations. In a contrasting view, Andino labeled Harris as the “lesser evil,” emphasizing her outreach efforts towards the Latino community, particularly through Spanish-language advertisements. Yet, the struggle of young voters remains palpable as they grapple with their choices ahead of the election.
The 2024 presidential election has created a complex political landscape, particularly for Gen Z voters in the Latinx community who grapple with issues of immigration and political representation. With immigration being a significant concern, many young voters are frustrated with the policies of both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This demographic feels largely excluded from the electoral process, expressing a preference for activism and protests over traditional voting, which is reflected in the statistics regarding voter registration and turnout among Latino youth. The Latino Policy Forum highlights these challenges, indicating that Gen Z Latinos are currently the largest group of unregistered eligible voters when it comes to upcoming elections, complicating their engagement in the electoral process.
In conclusion, the 2024 election is poised to present a pivotal moment for Gen Z Latinx voters, who are currently experiencing significant disillusionment with both leading candidates. Their concerns primarily revolve around immigration policies and representation, leading to a preference for activism over voting. As they consider their options, the interplay between economic policies and immigration reform plays a crucial role in shaping their electoral decisions. It remains to be seen how this demographic will impact the election outcomes and whether they will harness their potential to influence change.
Original Source: abc7chicago.com
