Growing Latino population could play significant role in general election NBC Chicago [Video]

According to Pew Research, Latino voters nationally are projected to account for nearly 15 percent of all eligible voters in November, a new high. The number of eligible Latino voters in Illinois is also growing and has the potential to make a big impact.

“There is tremendous potential political power that has not yet been fully realized,” said Sylvia Puente, president and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum.

The Chicago-based advocacy group published an analysis from U.S. Census data showing how state voting participation has changed among racial groups. Between 2010 and 2022 the number of eligible Latino voters in Illinois increased by more than 423,000, while the number of white and Black eligible voters in our state decreased. It also shows eligible Asian voters in Illinois increased by about 41,000. White eligible voters decreased by more than 437,000 and Black eligible voters by about 41,000.

Census data also shows eligible Latino voters in general are younger …