What Voter Issues are at the Front?
As early voting is in full swing we’re taking a closer look at the Latinx voters for this years Presidential election and what issues they’re prioritizing when deciding who to cast their vote for. We spoke to women in their 20s, 30s and 40s that have already voted, or are voting for the first time. We talked to them about their backgrounds and their biggest fears depending on the outcome of the elections.
Womxn in most Latinx households are known to wear many hats catering to the many responsibilities of motherhood, partner, and provider. Often they are faced with low wage jobs— leading them to work multiple roles to make ends meet. This means less time and less accessibility to casting ballots on Election Days (because standing in line for hours is not something they can afford to do).
The Latinx turnout rates are low considering they also tend to feel less motivated to vote which creates a gap that needs to be closed. Engagement with the less motivated and ambivalent voter is vital. This serves as a reminder that their motivation can be tied by needing tangible reasons as to how their vote will affect their community. In other words, speaking to your tia and the other womxn in your family that don’t think it isn’t worth voting in this years election is MUY IMPORTANT.
Explain to them that this election will be historic as Latinx voter turnout will merit a major influence on the outcome. Our communities more than ever need those who are unmotivated to go vote and to mobilize with the same urgency required to save the lives of all minorities.
The greatest thing about living in this country is the right to vote and defending our freedoms through who we choose to elect as our President. Peep the responses of what some voters had to say and drop a comment in our comment box to let us know what issues you’re prioritizing in this election.
VOTE!
Juliana Jaramillo
Age:
28
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
I was living in Colombia. I moved here the year Obama became President.
Where do you live now?
In Washington DC.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this years elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration,etc) and list them in level of importance starting with the most important first:
Climate
Immigration
Police Brutality
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
Joe Biden. President Trump’s policies and behaviors have proven to be detrimental to the causes that I care about the most. He has pushed the comeback of fossil fuels and dismantled clean energy protections. He was unable to respond to the migrant crisis in the Mexico border, which is still leading to horrible consequences for migrant families, especially children. In the face of the protests against police brutality, his words invited more violence and did not aid in the search for justice. I’ll be voting for Biden to explore other options. I see it as an opportunity to do things slightly better.
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
I get daily notifications on my phone from different outlets such as The New York Times, NPR and Sky News. I listen to the Daily when I want to dig a bit deeper into a topic.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
I feel like the media and other candidates have focused more on bashing Donald Trump and his presidency than in talking about their policy proposals and positions on major topics.
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
I try to consume information from diverse news sources to get a more complete perspective and encourage people to do the same.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
My biggest fear with Biden’s election is that the country falls in a estate of inaction and comfort. There are too many changes that have to happen. Biden needs to be an energetic and effective leader. My biggest fear if Trump is elected is that the country will continue to go down a dangerous path that exacerbates violence, rage and division.
Talisha Liburd
Age:
32
Cultural background/country of origin:
Dominican / American.
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
I was born in NYC and the President in office was the horrible Ronald Reagan.
Where do you live now?
I live in Atlanta.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this years elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration,etc) and list them in level of importance starting with the most important first:
Women’s rights
Immigration
Criminal Justice
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
I voted early for Biden because I do not support any one who publicly says “Stand back and stand by Proud boys” When asked to condemn “white supremacists and militia groups” during his debate, amongst other wild things Trump has said during his time in office.
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
Honestly I really try not to consume too much of the news because I feel like it affects my mental health sometimes but when I do, I’ll watch a little bit of CNN.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
I see the theme of pushing everyone to vote from the media as well as the covid pandemic we’re still under.
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
My bf who knows way more about politics than I do and he’s always reading CNN news and some social media accounts like Alexandria Ocasio.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
My biggest fear if Biden is elected is that he doesn’t deliver what he promised and if Trump is elected another year my biggest fear is that we’re going to have a chaotic 4 more years of racism, police brutality at a higher rate and just no leadership what’s so ever.
Daniela Campos
Age:
29
Cultural background/country of origin:
Colombian American
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
Colombia. Barack Obama was president.
Where do you live now?
Washington D.C.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this year’s elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration, etc) and list them in the level of importance starting with the most important first:
Climate
COVID-19
Economy.
As a young Latinx, I want to see elected officials taking bold action to address the climate crisis - one of the most pressing threats facing my generation’s future. The pandemic is highlighting how disproportionate the impacts of inaction are for communities of color. Right now; Latinx individuals have the highest mortality rates due to COVID-19 and climate change is also making us sick and pushing us more into poverty. Whether it’s climate change, the pandemic, or economic opportunity, it is my community most affected by an increasingly unequal society.
Recently, through my job at Climate Power 2020, I have seen polls where 70 percent of Latino voters say it’s very or extremely important that the next president and new Congress pass legislation that aggressively combats climate change, so I know I’m not alone in wanting to see bold action.
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
I am voting for candidates that believe in science and listen to the experts, and are taking bold actions to combat climate change. I am worried that we are going on the wrong path, and our time is running out. We need candidates in office who understand that urgency.
A few weeks ago, I heard a Latinx climate activist say how climate anxiety is affecting our mental health. I often think about how relatable that term is, but I don’t see the same understanding from our current government. Climate change will bring so many consequences for our health and our lives. We have to live with that if we don’t take action. I’m looking for candidates who share that mindset.
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
I read the news online. I usually read newspapers with a good reputation for investigative journalism and fact-checking. To be honest, I am not big on cable shows or podcasts.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
With everything that is going on in the country, the wildfires in California, COVID-19, and the ongoing recession are what I’m seeing break through. All of these issues are connected, but I am afraid that we as a country aren’t taking the necessary steps to address the root causes of these crises. This election might be our last chance to really address them without losing more human life or destroying our planet.
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
Science and serious journalism. We need to listen to scientists, experts, and media basing their reporting on real facts.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
My biggest fear is that whoever gets elected doesn’t take action against climate change or doesn’t include alternatives to fossil fuels in our economic recovery after COVID-19. I worry because all of these election issues are so interconnected and I want my community to benefit from programs that bring environmental justice and don’t push us further into poverty or put us more in danger of risking our lives to be able to put food on our table.
Mariapia Sierra-Mendizabal
Age:
28
Cultural background/country of origin:
Lima, Peru,
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
I was living in Peru, and Obama was the president when I moved here.
Where do you live now?
Miami, FL.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this years elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration,etc) and list them in level of importance starting with the most important first:
Climate change
Immigration
Health (including COVID and health insurance)
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
I already voted for Biden. Main reason I voted for him is because I cannot stand the amount of hatred created and supported by the current president, and I do believe health insurance should be our right.
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
I don’t watch the news anymore, since Covid.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
Tax policies.
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
I listen to everybody’s opinion, and ultimately have my own. I don’t think I rely on just one outlet.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
Honestly, I have liked Biden since Obama was the President, so I do not fear much. Trump, on the other hand, I would say my fear is for Covid to keep killing people, racists not being punished or called out, kids being separated from their families, and more ignorance.
Nerea Arce
Age:
26
Cultural background/country of origin:
Argentina.
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
I was living in Argentina. Fernando de la Rúa was president.
Where do you live now?
I live in Miami, Florida.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this years elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration,etc) and list them in level of importance starting with the most important first:
The three policies that I’m most concerned about (although truly it’s everything) is police and safety, Everything that comes with Covid-19, and Roe v.wade and our rights to autonomy.
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
I will be voting for Joe Biden in this election. I’m not a Biden\Kamala fanatic, but I think that Donald Trump and his administration are dangerous to our “democracy” and to the people of the United States. I think his administration is divisive and feeds on fear and hate and so I am voting against him.
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
I listen/read to a lot of New York Times. But whenever something important happens or something I really care about I look everywhere for information. Other sources I use are NPR news, the daily, vice at times, the Washington post, BBC.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
Defunding the police
Pandemic
Economy
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
News outlets.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
I think my biggest fear is for things to stay the same if Biden is elected.
If Trump gets re-elected I’m scared that all of the changes we have been making will be regressed and that progressive change is going to be even more restricted. I’m also scared of extremism and censorship. Im honestly terrified for Trump to get elected President again.
Betiana Masnu
Age: 42
Cultural background/country of origin:
Argentina
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
Argentina, De La Rúa.
Where do you live now?
Miami, Fl.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this years elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration,etc) and list them in level of importance starting with the most important first:
Climate change
Racism
Economy.
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
I will be voting Joe Biden. But I think more as voting against Trump. I don’t want him to win
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
I read the news on my phone. But I don’t honestly pay as much attention to the news on a day to day basis.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
The Pandemic.
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
Family, my daughter mostly.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
I don’t have any fears if Biden is elected. Im scared that the things that have been happening will continue to happy if Trump is elected.
Luisa Baduy
Age:
37
Cultural background/country of origin:
Colombian.
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
Alvaro Uribe Vélez in Colombia.
Where do you live now?
Miami, FL.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this years elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration,etc) and list them in level of importance starting with the most important first:
Economy
Security
Liberty.
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
It’s disappointing that in a country like this one I find it difficult to decide who to vote for. One is not better than the other, unfortunately. If I’m voting its on the basis of my party affiliation not a candidate. I would rather not share who that is. It’s my right to maintain that discretion.
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
I watch several journalist from which a majority are from Colombia. My favorite one is Fernando Londoño Hoyos. I don’t like American news networks that are sensationalists and often manipulate and omit the truth.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
Covid has become the most discussed theme during the elections. The pandemic has been at the front of it all and previous scandals from both candidates which is ridiculous.
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
I trust almost no one with this because I feel that people become one sided and refuse to see both sides and form an opinion based off that. There’s an intolerance for those who think differently. It becomes a level of intolerance that becomes offensive and destroys moralities for political gains. I base my opinions and trust solely based off the information I consume.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
Neither generates more fear than the other candidate. I don’t think either is in a position to have enough power to make drastic changes or create much of a disaster through their decisions. For that very reason my vote goes with my party devoid of who that candidate happens to be.
Belen
Age:
23
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
Before moving the the U.S., I lived with my family in Argentina. When we left in 2002, Eduardo Duhalde was the President of Argentina and George W. Bush was the President of the U.S.
Where do you live now?
I live in Washington, DC.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this years elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration,etc) and list them in level of importance starting with the most important first:
COVID-19
Healthcare
Police reform.
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
I cast my first vote as an American citizen for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and I am proud to have done so. They are the only viable option in defeating Donald Trump this November, and a vote that is not for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris is a vote for Donald Trump.
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
I get breaking news updates on my phone, follow reporters on Twitter, and listen to NPR. I also research news I hear from family, friends, and coworkers.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
I think a lot of the conversation has revolved around election security and speculations on when we will know the winner of Tuesday's election.
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
When it comes to American politics, I appreciate that my family asks me for accurate information. Both of my parents know a lot about Argentine politics so it's special to have the opportunity to learn from them as well. In terms of opinions, I really respect my parents' point of view on certain issues and feel like we have productive conversations. If I'm skeptical about something I read on a news outlet, I have the power to do my own independent research to verify their claims.
I've had really productive conversations with friends and have learned about the experiences that shaped their opinions. Social media is really helpful sometimes because it allows you to look at the news without a filter. However, it is always important to take a closer look and see things from multiple points of view.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
If Donald Trump is elected President, I fear that we will see many more deaths from COVID-19 as a results of his administration’s incomeptence. I also fear that he will he will put the wellbeing of millions at risk due to his efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, cut Social Security, criminalize immigrants, etc. If Joe Biden is elected, I fear that Donald Trump and his supporters will refuse to accept the results.
Greyceli Marin Dragonetti
Age:
26
Cultural background/country of origin:
Venezuela.
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
Venezuela. Rafael Caldera was president.
Where do you live now?
Miami Florida.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this years elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration,etc) and list them in level of importance starting with the most important first:
Climate change
Marginalized communities
Education funding
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
Not disclosing.
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
NY times and NPR.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
Conspiracy theories surrounding candidates, covid statistics/policies, trump doing overall absurdities.
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
Trustworthy news sites.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
Biggest fear if Biden is elected: backlash of trump supporters. Biggest fear if Trump is elected: another 4 years of Trump.
Angela Dragonetti
Age:
54
Cultural background/country of origin:
Miami.
Where were you living before coming to the U.S. and who was the President?
Venezuela and Chavez was the president.
Where do you live now?
Miami, FL.
What three policies are you most concerned about in this years elections ( i.e. climate, Covid, immigration,etc) and list them in level of importance starting with the most important first:
Economy
Immigration
Climate Change
Who do you want to vote for in this election and what’s your main reason for choosing this candidate?
The republican candidate because of more conservative views.
How do you consume the news? Which shows do you watch/listen to?
Through social media, TV and radio from different places.
What are some of the themes you see most/hear most from the media during this election?
I mainly hear about racial injustices, COVID and immigration policies.
Who do you trust the most when it comes to their opinion and the information you're getting:
It’s a compendium of several sources and my own personal discernment.
What is your biggest fear if Biden is elected and what is your biggest fear if Trump is elected President this year?
In terms of Biden, my fear is his left wing liberal tendencies and for Tump it’s a fear of his lack of attention or value for the issues of climate change.
There you have it mob. Different voices from different places and what issues are most important for them in the upcoming election. You know what you have to do.
