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Pew Hispanic Center - New Study Shows Greater Civic Participation Among Hispanics

Posted July 24, 2008 by Lisa Votino

Today, the Pew Hispanic Center released their new study “2008 National Survey of Latinos: Hispanic Voter Attitudes.” Their findings confirm a lot of what we have been seeing on the ground….“The Hispanic community is politically energized heading into the fall election campaign.”
Pew conducted the survey in both English and Spanish and found similar results from both Hispanics born in the US and Hispanic naturalized citizens. It found that just like non-Hispanic voters, this year Hispanics are watching the race more closely than in previous years. 78% of Hispanic voters say they are following the presidential race very closely or somewhat closely, up from 72% in 2004.
Besides just following the election, many said they were participating more in other ways this year. 15% said they have contributed to a candidate running for office, half of them using the internet to contribute. 15% have attended a political or campaign-related meeting. And a whopping 46% have used the internet to find out additional information on candidates.
As far as issues, the top issues and their percentages are as follows:
1) Education (93%)
2) The cost of living (92%)
3) Health care (90%)
4) Crime (82%)
5) War in Iraq (75%)
6) Immigration (75%)

The report also brings some very grim news for Republicans. Hispanic voters are identifying more with the Democratic party. 65% of registered voters identified themselves as Democrat or leaning Democrat, as opposed to 26% identifying as Republican or leaning towards the Republican party. That’s a 39 percentage point advantage for Democrats. This was fueled by 55% of all Latino registered voters that were polled said that the Democratic party has more concern for Hispanics. 6% say the same for the Republican party and 35% believe both parties are the same.
Here are some numbers our elected officials in Suffolk County should take special note of: Nearly 4-in-10 (38%) say that Latinos’ situation in the country has gotten worse in the past year, compared with 18% who have said it has improved.
My advice to our elected officials in Suffolk County and those thinking of diving into the political arena: pick your friends wisely. Pandering to anti-immigrant hysteria and further discriminating against Hispanics on Long Island will hurt your political aspirations in the long run. You’re actions are being scrutinized by a new generation of Hispanics who want to be a part of the political process. Alienate them now and you will pay later.

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