Hispanic Federation
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Post-Debate – Hispanic Federation Calls for Presidential Candidates to Engage with Latino Community to Mobilize their Vote
NEW YORK— Tonight was the first, and possibly only, Presidential Debate in the 2024 election. Hispanic Federation President and CEO Frankie Miranda released the following statement:
“Tonight’s debate provided Latino voters with the chance to learn more from the candidates about their contrasting positions, however, this is just the start. It is imperative that the campaigns speak to our Latino communities about the issues that matter to them. Campaigns must communicate in a way that is truthful, direct, culturally responsive, and recognizes the value of communities of color and immigrant communities. Tonight we saw notable contrasts in positions when it came to reproductive rights, addressing the rising costs of living, and the value of immigrants in our society. In the coming days, the candidates must elaborate on their policy positions in a way that brings people together rather than driving us apart.
We are 36 million Latino voters strong and we’re keenly observing how candidates address our concerns, both tonight and in the coming days. In August, Hispanic Federation co-led a poll that showed that 73% of Latino voters expressed being committed to participate in the election, enthusiasm that is particularly pronounced among younger voters, women and spanish-speaking voters. At the same time, 60% of Latino voters still did not feel well-informed about the campaign’s policy positions – a testament to the need for campaigns to be more intentional with their outreach to Latino communities across the country.
Tonight’s debate demonstrated why it is essential for the campaigns to draw a connection between D.C. policy and kitchen table realities. Latinos are watching and Latinos will vote. Latinos understand that the next president must have compassion and empathy for the 64 million hard-working Latinos who love this country and make significant contributions to every aspect of this country. This is not the time for fear mongering. The campaigns must address our communities directly and create lasting, meaningful connections to ensure that we remain top of mind after the election.
Hispanic Federation will continue to work with our member agencies and partners to ensure that Latinos vote in record numbers this November, that our community makes an informed decision in the voting booth, and that we build a future based on hope and the values that are needed in order to to tackle the pressing issues we are facing.”
The poll referenced above was developed by BPS Research in collaboration with the Hispanic Federation and Latino Victory Fund. The press release for the poll is here, and the full slide deck for the poll is linked in the press release.
***
About Hispanic Federation:
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 40 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
