SAN DIEGO — Hispanics are a fast growing population with new voters in every election cycle. A new poll by BSP Research shows California Latinos’ top issues are consistent among the same population across the country.
“We believe that Hispanic voters can be a very powerful stabilizing force in our national politics,” Unidos US Vice President Latino Vote Initiative, Clarissa Martinez said.
Here are issues Hispanic voters want elected officials to address:
- Inflation
- Affordable housing
- Jobs and the economy
- Healthcare
- Crime and gun violence
“Latinos are the second largest voting group in California,” Martinez said.
Food and basic necessities like gasoline are the main concerns when it comes to inflation. Hispanic voters worry about jobs and the economy, they emphasize the need for better pay.
“The Latino community needs meaningful progress to lower the cost of living because we are disproportionately affected,” Latinos US California State Director, Esmeralda Lopez said.
For the second time, gun violence is a top priority. Its a concern people want to see a change in.
“There is very easy access to guns and they want to see their elected officials do something to put a stop to mass shootings,” Martinez said.
The high cost of insurance and prescriptions also worry Hispanic voters.
“Affordable healthcare is something that is a top priority for many who oftentimes have a difficult time navigating the complex systems that are in place and so having the accessibility, the affordability always is important for the Latino community,” American Friends Service Committee Director, Pedro Rios said.
Immigration remains a concern in California, ranked as sixth top issue. People in the survey want to see a path to citizenship for DACA recipients. For many years, Rios has worked on immigrant rights and border issues.
“My hope is that people not only go out to vote but they express their political opinion in a variety of different ways,” Rios said.
In 2024, its projected that 23 percent of Latinos in California will be voting in their first presidential election.
WATCH RELATED: Are Latino voters shifting red in California? Experts disagree