A new report published by  the Pew Research Center shows the main characteristics of the Latino/Hispanic electorate in the United States and some changes that could impact the upcoming elections in the country.

According to the data presented, since the last presidential election in 2020, Latinos are responsible for half of the increase in the number of new eligible voters, bringing the total to 36.2 million in 2024, compared to 32.3 million in 2020 (“representing 50% of the total growth in eligible voters during this time”). That means Latinos now make up nearly 15% of the eligible electorate in the country in 2024, a new high.

It is important to note that, according to the survey, “Latino immigrants who are not eligible to vote include permanent residents (green card holders) and those in the process of becoming permanent residents; those in the U.S. on temporary visas; and unauthorized immigrants”.

While the majority of Latinos in the U.S. are eligible to vote (53%), there are significant variations between states. It is noteworthy that in New Mexico 45% of all eligible voters are Latino, the highest percentage of any state. While 66% of Hispanics there can vote, on the other hand, “Tennessee (36%) and Maryland (39%) had the lowest percentage of Latinos among eligible voters”.

“In California and Texas, Hispanics are about a third of the eligible voter population (33% and 32%, respectively). [...] The states with the next-largest Latino shares of eligible voters are Arizona (25%), Nevada (22%), Florida (22%), Colorado (17%) and New Jersey (16%)”, according to the report.

The report also highlights the youth of the Latino electorate compared to other groups, with only 33% of eligible Hispanics over the age of 50, compared to the average of 48% for all eligible voters. Despite their relative youth, about 19 percent of Latinos are not U.S. citizens. However, even with this consideration, approximately 1.4 million Hispanics become eligible to vote each year.

The survey highlights the continued importance of Latinos in the U.S. electorate, noting that they continue to be a significant and fast-growing share. This growth in the number of Latino voters is perceived as a trend that will continue to shape the political landscape in the years to come, with a particularly significant impact on future elections.