Experts are urging outreach to South Carolina’s growing Latino population, which is registering to vote at lower rates compared to neighboring states. With only seven weeks left until election day, it is crucial to engage this demographic in the upcoming election. According to Nina Cano, founder of Charleston Vota, only 2% of the 7% Latino population in South Carolina is registered to vote, with a voter participation rate of about 80%. This is significantly lower than neighboring states like Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia, which have multiple community organizations dedicated to increasing Latino voter turnout.
Community organizations like Charleston Vota play a crucial role in educating Latino voters, many of whom may be first-time voters after obtaining citizenship later in life. Issues like the economy and immigration are motivating factors for Latino voters like Maritza Valerio, who will be casting her vote for the first time in this election.
Cano emphasizes the importance of candidates understanding and addressing the needs of the growing Latino population in South Carolina. Ignoring this community would be detrimental to the democratic process in the state. The deadline to register to vote in South Carolina is fast approaching, with online registration closing on October 6th and in-person registration closing on October 4th. As election day draws nearer, it is crucial to engage and empower the Latino community in South Carolina to ensure their voices are heard at the polls.
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