Hispanic voters could sway election
Hispanics have increased 38.5 percent in Missouri from 2000-2006.
Published Aug. 29, 2008
With the gap between presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain shrinking in the polls, the race for the White House is shaping up to be a tight one - which makes the Hispanic population, which increased 38.5 percent in Missouri from 2000-2006, an important demographic for both candidates.
Although the Hispanic vote was only 1.5 percent of the statewide population in Missouri in 2006, according to a study by the Pew Hispanic Center, the Hispanic population is growing in numbers and in influence.
That's not to say the group has tremendous power in the state. The Hispanic vote is still a small percentage of the overall voting population. But in November, a little bit might be all a candidate needs.
"In a close vote it could make a difference," said Joan Suarez, director of Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates.
Even if the Hispanic vote in Missouri does not sway the election, nationwide, that bloc could be a major factor.
Nationally, Hispanics form 15 percent of the total population and 9 percent of registered voters. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, 66 percent of Hispanic voters favor Obama, while 24 percent favor McCain.
When voting, Hispanics consider education, cost of living, jobs and health care as their top issues, according to the Pew Center.
"It's not as though Latinos are different from other people in the community," Suarez said.
Immigration is also a top concern with Hispanic voters. In Missouri, an omnibus immigration act that enacts strong penalties on cities that deem themselves "sanctuary cities," allows judges in the state to hold suspects without bail if they cannot prove citizenship and places tougher penalties on businesses for hiring illegal immigrants was passed this year through a Republican-controlled General Assembly.
"I think (Gov.) Matt Blunt's law that he passed will be remembered," said George Batek, a lawyer who represents mainly Hispanic clients. "Don't think (Hispanic voters) are not paying attention."
Suarez agreed that whoever becomes the next president must make a firm commitment on immigration.
"They need to commit to really working on comprehensive immigration reform in their first term," Suarez said.