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Latinos are the second-largest voting group in Arizona. And in this year's midterm elections, Latino youth could be a driving force for change in the state. Jorge Agobian traveled to Tucson and met with some of these voters to see what their expectations are.
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/ScriptMIDTERMS-LATINO VOTE
HEAD: Young Latino Voters in Arizona Could Define Midterm Elections
TEASER:
PUBLISHED: 11/3/2022 at 11:45am
BYLINE: Jorge Agobian
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Tucson, Arizona
VIDEOGRAPHER: Jorge Agobian
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA, AP, AFP, Reuters
PLATFORMS: (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
SCRIPT EDITORS: Kenochs, Sharon Shahid
TRT: 2:10
VID APPROVED BY: KE
UPDATE:))
((INTRO))
[[Latinos are the second-largest voting group in Arizona. And in this year's midterm elections, Latino youth could be a driving force for change in the state. Jorge Agobian traveled to Tucson and met with some of these voters to see what their expectations are.]]
((NARRATOR))
((NARRATOR))
These students believe that the power of the Hispanic vote in Arizona will be decisive in the midterm elections and that their votes can have an impact.
((Abigail Chavez, First-time Voter)) ((IN SPANISH))
"If more Latinos are encouraged to vote, of course, we can."
((Jesus Hinojosa, First-time Voter)) ((IN SPANISH))
"Many of my family members don't vote. They don't want to vote… and I believe that there can be change if Latinos vote.”
((NARRATOR))
The National Association of Latino Elected Officials estimates that more than 664,000 Hispanic voters in Arizona will vote in the midterms, marking a turning point in Latino election participation.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Latinos in Arizona are young, with an average age of 27. That translates to growing political power.
((Carolina Rodriguez-Greer, State Director, Mi Familia Vota)) ((IN SPANISH))
"It's going to be very important for candidates and political parties to pay attention to what the top issues are for Latinos, especially young people."
((NARRATOR))
Carolina Rodriguez-Greer is state director of the nonprofit Mi Familia Vota, or My Family Votes. Her Latino-focused campaign has registered more than 35,000 new voters this year.
((NAT SOUND Jorge Agobian asks a question)) ((IN SPANISH))
What are the issues that are encouraging you to vote in this election?
((Abigail Chavez, First-time Voter)) ((IN SPANISH))
"Since my family is from Mexico, problems that the undocumented people face, and helping undocumented people."
((Jesus Hinojosa, First-time Voter)) ((IN SPANISH))
"For me, it's the economy. The economy, because everything is very expensive."
((Inés Reyes, First-time Voter)) ((IN SPANISH))
"The right that every person has to live. There are problems with abortion."
((NARRATOR))
Inflation, gun violence and jobs are the top priorities among Hispanic voters in Arizona, according to a recent UnidosUS poll.
((Carolina Rodriguez-Greer, State Director, Mi Familia Vota Arizona)) ((IN SPANISH))
"They are interested in the issues. They want to know how they are going to help improve their lives, and they want to know where and when to vote to make sure their voice is heard in this election."
((NARRATION))
Latinos are the second-largest voting group in Arizona, and overall, the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. electorate.
((Jorge Agobian, VOA News, Tucson, Arizona.))
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