In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, Gen Z Latinx voters are expressing indecision over candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, primarily due to concerns around immigration policies. With many young Hispanics feeling disenfranchised and unenthusiastic about traditional voting, the potential for electoral engagement among this demographic remains uncertain and highlights a broader trend toward protest politics.
In anticipation of the 2024 presidential election, it has become evident that Gen Z Latinx voters express considerable indecision regarding the candidates, notably former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris. Residing in Chicago, a group of young Latinx individuals articulated their uncertainties about both candidates, largely due to their immigration policies. Alina Andino, a 26-year-old voter, voiced 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.” This sentiment reflects a broader disconnect among Latino voters, particularly among the youth. According to Sylvia Puente, President of the Latino Policy Forum, the younger generation is more inclined towards protest-driven politics rather than traditional electoral engagement. A significant concern arises from the low registration rates amongst eligible Latino voters, particularly in the Gen Z demographic. Perla Santoyo, another Gen Z representative, expressed her frustrations about the reluctance of her peers to participate in this election cycle, remarking, “It feels infuriating, honestly, to constantly trying to prove a point to Gen Zers who don’t want to vote in this election.” Santoyo, who has long awaited her U.S. citizenship, emphasized the responsibility she places on her fellow young voters, asserting, “They have the ability to make a difference.” Despite this, young voters articulate their distrust toward Harris regarding immigration reform, with Rolando Herrejon stating their apprehension about the Vice President’s commitment to transformative change. During a recent episode of “The View,” when questioned about her plans differing from President Biden’s, Harris remarked, “There is not a thing that comes to mind,” which left many voters questioning her intentions. Conversely, Herrejon stated that his support for Trump is primarily based on economic policies, while Andino indicated a preference for Harris, labeling her the “lesser evil” due to her attempts to connect with the Latino community through Spanish-language advertisements. “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,” Andino commented, underlining the importance of female representation in leadership roles.
The article addresses the concerns of Gen Z Latinx voters as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Through interviews and insights shared by various young voters, it highlights their reservations about both major candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, particularly regarding immigration policies that significantly affect the Latinx community. The hesitance to engage in electoral voting, along with a preference for other forms of political involvement, is also discussed, shedding light on the broader implications for Latino voter registration and turnout.
In summary, Gen Z Latinx voters are grappling with discernible ambivalence towards both major presidential candidates in the upcoming election. The juxtaposition of their hopes for impactful immigration reform against their experiences of uncertainty and distrust illustrates a pivotal moment wherein traditional electoral participation may be challenged by alternative forms of civic engagement. The perspectives shared by these young voters underscore the necessity for candidates to address the concerns of the Latinx community more effectively, particularly regarding immigration policies. The sentiments expressed by individuals such as Alina Andino, Perla Santoyo, and Rolando Herrejon are emblematic of a generation that is increasingly motivated by representation and viable solutions to the issues that impact their lives directly.
Original Source: abc7chicago.com
