WASHINGTON (WJLA) — Latinos represent one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in the nation, according to Pew Research.An estimated 36.2 million are eligible to vote this year, up from 32.3 million in 2020. This represents 50% of the total growth in eligible voters.
WJLA spoke to Latino voters to hear their thoughts prior to a historical presidential election.
Dilianna Bustillos, a Venezuelan-American said she is lucky to be an American. “I’m voting for democracy and I’m also very much voting for women’s freedom,” Bustillos told 7News.
Voters will elect national, state and local officials.
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Latinos in Virginia make up nearly 11% — a number that Alexandria City Councilmember Canek Aguirre believes requires representation in political offices. The council member has been in the area for 13 years and is seeking re-election this fall.
Ensuring “communication, engagement and transparency,” Aguirre, Carla Bustillos and others created “Juntos for America,” a political pact for Virginia candidates.
“It’s a space that we saw was lacking we needed to institutionalize making Latino political empowerment in the Commonwealth of Virginia a priority and a possibility,” Carla said.
The organization is just under two years old and was formed “to make sure there is representation, because representation matters,” according to Aguirre.
Santiago Fernandez and his family were at an early voting site. “I feel that just we as a Latino community, we’re not homogenous,” Fernandez told 7News. ” it’s not a Latino issue, it’s an American issue,”.
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Latinos are projected to account for 14.7% of all eligible voters in November 2024, according to Pew Research Centers Key Facts.
Bustillos mentioned the Latino population has been under attack lately.
“Most of our families have come to this country for a haven in a land where they can strive socially and economically.,” she explained.
“I voted for Kamala [Harris] , Cesar Diaz Rondon told 7News. Diaz Rondon is a proud Puerto Rican. Following comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comments suggesting Puerto Rico was ‘garbage’ during Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden in October, Diaz Rondon was convinced the comment “poked a bear.”
Sonia Lorenzo said that based on the comments she felt “betrayed.”
“I have been in this place for many years, my husband is a veteran of the army but we feel empowered. We as Puerto Ricans, this is how we show up,” she said.
While America will wait in angst for the presidential election results, Aguiree suggested to all his Latino peers to “get out and vote.”
“Make your voice heard. That’s the beauty of democracy. As long as we’re out and getting votes out, the decision, and what direction we want to take this country and state and community is going to be loud and clear,” Aguirre said.
