Ever since the 2008 election (and even before then), Democrats have been seen as the go-to party for young Hispanic and black voters. Now, the times are changing. While more minorities still identify as predominantly Democratic, 34 percent of young people surveyed by the Harvard Public Opinion Project said that they trusted Democrats more than Republicans on the issue of race relations, while 16.3 percent had more trust in Republicans. Forty-six percent of people surveyed were unsure as to which party they trusted more to handle race relations effectively.
The fact that more respondents disapprove of Obama’s handling of race relations than approve is indicative that Republicans can seize the opportunity to showcase a renewed commitment to making steps towards broader racial inclusivity.
In particular, Republicans can capitalize on the topic of immigration. The Harvard Public Opinion Project’s indicate that only 34.8 percent of young Americans aged between 18 to 29 years approve of Obama’s handling of immigration. When asked about immigration as a deciding factor for the November elections, 73 percent of surveyed Hispanics stated that immigration was of particular importance to them, higher than any other demographic.
Hispanics are at a severe voting disadvantage. Of all of those surveyed, only 49 percent of Hispanics were registered to vote, while 72 percent of whites and 73 percent of blacks were registered. Of those who took the same survey in Spanish, only 23 percent of people were currently registered to vote. At the time of the 2012 election, 65 percent of blacks and 61 percent of whites surveyed were registered to vote, but only 35 percent of Hispanics were registered.
The reason for this stark disparity in registration rates for Hispanics lies in Hispanics’ access (or lack thereof) to voter registration materials. Hispanics only see about three-fourths the amount of voter registration materials in their workplaces than other demographics. Those who interviewed in Spanish were exposed to half the amount of voter registration material others were exposed to at work.
Additionally, while 40 percent of whites and 50 percent of blacks vote at polling locations in 2012, only 23 percent of Hispanics voted at polling locations during that election. Hispanic participation via absentee ballots and early voting also trails behind other demographics. By carefully targeting Hispanic demographics likely to vote red, the GOP can drastically improve its long-term electoral viability.
The time for Republicans to shift their strategy is now. Changing the ways in which the party is perceived on issues of race relations and immigration is key to making up ground in upcoming elections. By improving voter registration efforts, Republicans can also be sure to tap into a key voting block. Twenty eight percent of Hispanics do not identify as either Democrats or Republicans, and 44 percent of Hispanics are unsure as to which party would be more effective at handling the less racially polarized issue of the economy. While Republicans may win elections in the status quo, converting Hispanic voting blocs into solid Republican constituencies is key for the future.