The Latina Vote Is the Power Move of 2024—Here’s Why It Matters
As the battle for the White House heats up, one key group remains critically underrepresented in traditional outreach efforts: Latinas. In the final stretch before Election Day, Poderistas, a national nonprofit and leading digital community for Latinas, is taking action.
Through their PRESENTE! Latinas Speak Up Listening Tour, Latina leaders like Eva Longoria and America Ferrera are mobilizing voters in key swing states. The goal is to ensure that Latinas’ voices are heard loud and clear.
In states like Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and Pennsylvania, Poderistas is bringing discussions directly to the communities. These conversations center on issues that matter most to Latinas—immigration, affordable housing, climate change, environmental justice, women’s rights, and education. By doing so, Poderistas is addressing the barriers Latinas face in accessing voting information. Furthermore, they’re highlighting the power of the Latina vote.
How Poderistas is Amplifying the Latina Vote
The PRESENTE! Latinas Speak Up Listening Tour was born out of the need for Latina voices to be included in the political conversation. Charlotte Castillo, Executive Director of Poderistas, explained, “Latinas and the Latino community have the power and potential to shape this election. Latinas comprise the largest age and gender cohort in key states. Meaning they should drive growth in the electorate across the country.”
However, despite their significant numbers, Latinas often feel politically sidelined. Castillo emphasized, “Despite remarkable population growth, Latinas still have only a fraction of the political power they need and deserve.” This is why Poderistas launched PRESENTE!—to give Latinas a platform to speak about the issues that matter most to them.
Throughout the tour, powerful conversations emerged. At PRESENTE! Phoenix, for example, women discussed how an abortion ban could have compromised their access to healthcare. The conversation linked women’s health to broader issues of racial and economic justice. Castillo noted that Latinas, who are already disproportionately affected by healthcare access, face compounded challenges due to their financial standing or immigration status.
In Miami, the conversation shifted to climate justice, reproductive rights, immigration, and the economy. Meanwhile, in Chicago, discussions focused on the broken immigration system, healthcare costs, and pay equity. In every city, these conversations reinforced the message that the Latina vote is not only powerful—it is essential.
Latina Voices Are Taking the Lead in This Election
Latinas, often seen as the bedrock of their families and communities, are stepping into their political power like never before. As Eva Longoria noted during the tour, “We know Latinas are the CEOs of the household. We make all the decisions. Educational decisions for our children, healthcare decisions, financial decisions… We are doing it all. We want to make sure our stories are told, our voices are heard.”
America Ferrera echoed the sentiment and highlighted the importance of breaking through barriers to increase Latina voter turnout. “Engaging our community and giving information that allows them to move past the barriers of access to voting is what works,” Ferrera explained. The Poderistas tour is not just about hearing Latina voices—it’s about empowering them to take action at the polls.
With more than 36 million Latinos eligible to vote in this election—including over 50% who are Latinas—the Latina vote is a critical force in 2024. As Charlotte Castillo points out, Poderistas is unlocking the power of Latinas through digital engagement, storytelling, and organizing. “Through our work, Poderistas enables Latinas to amplify their impact and drive change, and this will definitely impact future elections.”
The Latina Vote: A Growing Force Beyond 2024
The impact of the PRESENTE! Latinas Speak Up Listening Tour goes beyond Election Day. Latinas are rapidly growing as a political force, and the work being done by Poderistas will have lasting effects. “Poderistas will continue to engage our community, arming Latinas with resources and information to help them understand how impactful their vote can actually be,” said Castillo.
Mariana Atencio, a former NBC anchor and founder of Golike Media, underscored the role of media in empowering Latinas to vote. “Latinas and the Latino vote are a talking point every election cycle, yet getting our community’s concerns—on issues like immigration, housing, reproductive care, and economic mobility—into headlines remains a challenge,” Atencio said.
Atencio believes that the power of Latina voices can’t be overstated. “Throughout the tour, we experienced countless genuine moments of connection in every city, with every conversation, and from each Latina sister who shared her story. I saw firsthand that our voices resonate more powerfully when we stand together.”
The message is clear: Latinas, long considered the backbone of their families, are now stepping up to claim their rightful place in the political landscape. As they come together to vote and share their stories, the Latina vote is set to shape not only this election but the future of American politics.
Harnessing the Power of the Latina Vote
As the Poderistas tour shows, Latinas are not only raising their voices—they are mobilizing their communities to vote. With millions of Latinas eligible to vote, this bloc has the potential to sway key states. And influence the national conversation on immigration, women’s rights, healthcare, and economic justice.
In the final days before Election Day, the work of Poderistas demonstrates how powerful Latinas can be when they come together. As Atencio reminds us, “Latinas, especially, find empowerment in empowering others. By voting, we become a collective voice, showing the world who we are and what we can achieve.”
