Partnership Aims to Boost Latino Voter Participation and Raise Awareness of Critical Issues Impacting Florida’s Latino Community
JACKSONVILLE, FL (September 16, 2024) – UnidosUS Florida and the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce a collaborative initiative to boost Latino voter participation in Jacksonville. On National Voter Registration Day, Tuesday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m., a press conference will be held at Havana Jax, 2578 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
This event will bring together community leaders and advocates to encourage voter registration and highlight the importance of Latino civic engagement in Florida ahead of the 2024 elections.
“Now more than ever, it’s vital that our community is informed and active in the political process. The decisions being made this year will impact generations to come. We must ensure that Latino voices are at the forefront,” said Jared Nordlund, UnidosUS Senior Strategist. “We are committed to advocating for a more inclusive democracy where everyone’s vote in Florida matters.”
“We need leaders who are truly invested in our communities and who will advocate for policies that address the real issues impacting us, from economic equality to access to healthcare and educational opportunities,” said Monica Hernandez, President of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal is to empower every eligible Latino to exercise their right to vote and make informed decisions at the polls.”
WHAT:
Press conference for National Voter Registration Day led by UnidosUS Florida and the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC).
WHEN:
National Voter Registration Day
September 17, 2024
10:00 a.m.
WHERE:
Havana Jax
2578 Atlantic Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
WHO:
- Arianny Eduardo, Florida Campaign Strategist, UnidosUS
- Monica Hernandez, President, First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Jerry Holland, Supervisor of Elections, Duval County
- Community leaders working on voter registration and civic engagement initiatives
WHY:
This event will bring together UnidosUS Florida, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights organization, and the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness about the importance of Latino voter participation in Florida. With nearly 5 million Latinos residing in Florida, a significant segment of the population, increasing civic engagement is crucial for ensuring that Latino voices are heard and represented in local, state, and national elections.
The press conference will focus on the challenges facing Latinos in Florida, such as economic inequalities, immigration concerns, access to healthcare, and education disparities. UnidosUS Florida and FCHCC will also discuss the importance of electing leaders who work on behalf of all communities, particularly those committed to addressing these pressing issues.
Florida voters will decide on several critical issues that could significantly impact the state. These include a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights, a measure to allow recreational marijuana use, and a proposal to repeal the public financing program for state candidates. Voters will also consider measures related to property tax adjustments, enshrining the right to fish and hunt, and reinstating partisan school board elections.
KEY DATA POINTS:
- A recent poll by UnidosUS found that economic and pocketbook issues, such as inflation and housing affordability, are the biggest concerns for Latino voters going into 2024. Rising costs and limited access to affordable housing have pushed these issues to the forefront of Latino priorities.
- Immigration reform remains a significant concern, with calls for more humane policies that include a pathway to citizenship for long-standing undocumented residents and DACA recipients.
- Access to healthcare, including reproductive rights, has also emerged as a critical issue, with 70% of Latino voters in Florida supporting open access to abortion, reflecting broader concerns about healthcare availability and affordability.
- There is a growing call for leaders who will champion policies that address these disparities, engage meaningfully with Latino communities, and ensure that all voices are represented in decision-making processes.
About UnidosUS:
UnidosUS is the largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. Since its founding in 1968, UnidosUS has worked to challenge the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos. Through its unique combination of research, advocacy, programs, and a national network of nearly 300 community-based organizations, UnidosUS aims to elevate the voice of Latinos and ensure progress for all.
About First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC):
FCHCC is dedicated to advancing the economic development and growth of Hispanic businesses and professionals in the Northeast Florida region. FCHCC promotes economic prosperity through advocacy, networking, and educational opportunities for the Hispanic community. For more information about the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, click here.