5 Reasons Why Latino Politics Matter In Colorado

Latino politics have been in the spotlight lately, with the heated presidential election and all. But did you know that Latinos are a powerful force in Colorado politics? In this blog post, we will discuss 5 reasons why Latino politics matter in Colorado. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Latinos make up a significant portion of the Colorado population. According to US census data, there are more than 1.6 million Latinos living in Colorado as of 2018. This makes up nearly 21% of the state’s total population and is enough to make Latino politics an important factor in deciding elections across the state.
2. The success of the Latino vote can be seen in the election results from 2012 and 2016, when Democrats won Colorado by wide margins thanks to overwhelming support from Latino voters. In fact, according to Ballotpedia, 69%of Latino registered voters in Colorado chose Democratic candidates in both presidential elections!
3. Latinos are also using their voices and power to push for legislative change that reflects their values, including immigration reform and making education more accessible. In 2018, Governor John Hickenlooper signed a bill that allows students who are in the country illegally to receive in-state tuition as long as they have attended a Colorado high school for at least three years. This was a huge win for Latino advocates and shows the strength of the Latino community in Colorado.
4. While Latinos have had success exercising their political power in recent years, there is still work to be done when it comes to voter turnout. A report from the Center for American Progress found that only 61% of eligible Latino voters in Colorado actually voted during the 2016 presidential election — much lower than other communities such as African Americans (67%) and white voters (71%). Part of this is due to the fact that many Latinos are not registered to vote and don’t know how or when to register in the first place.
5. Another issue facing Colorado’s Latino community is access to healthcare. The number of uninsured Latinos in Colorado has decreased since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, but it still remains high at nearly 16%. This can be attributed to language barriers, immigration status, and lack of awareness about available resources. Additionally, many Latinos are unable to access preventative care and basic health services due to the high cost. This can lead to increased illness and disease in the community, which can further hinder economic progress.

The Colorado Latino community is facing many challenges, from lack of economic opportunity to limited access to healthcare. It is important for state and local governments, as well as business leaders and non-profits, to work together in order to provide resources and opportunities for Latinos in the state. By doing so, we can ensure that the Colorado Latino community can reach their full potential and contribute to the growth of our state’s economy. Latino Politics Colorado