Turnout Highlights Newer Americans’ Embrace of Country

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An increase of 1.9 million to 3.5 million Latinos are expected to vote in 2016 compared to 2012, according to the latest findings from a Latino Decisions national tracking poll discussed on a press call Friday.

The poll, in concert with early-voting numbers, demonstrates high Latino voter enthusiasm that reflects immigrants’ importance in the American electorate. As the Los Angeles Times reports, Latinos could cast as many as 15 million ballots.

Whether due to population growth, a “Trump effect” or some combination thereof, new Americans’ participation could have a major impact on Tuesday.

And the Latino voting community is far from monolithic. A Thursday NBC News article breaks down Latino voter populations in the swing states of Florida, Arizona and North Carolina.

For half a century Florida has been home to the most Cubans living outside of Cuba, and the state also has the most diversity in country of origin among its Latino population. Arizona has some of the oldest Latino communities as well as the newest. In North Carolina and other parts of the Southeast, the Latino population has grown rapidly over the past two decades.

“It may take time to get used to America’s changing demographics, but it helps that Latino Americans and others are fully embracing our values and going to the polls,” said Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum Action Fund. “Our new crop of leaders will need to ensure that as we address these changes, we respond to the concerns of all Americans. Immigration reform that focuses on security, accountability, opportunity and family is a chance to do just that.”

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