Colorado Latino voters worry about inflation, wages and economy ahead of November election | Choose

A new poll of Latino priorities shows at least half believe their economic situation has worsened over the past year, suggesting inflation could be a defining issue for Latino voters in November.

The poll, released Wednesday by the Colorado Latino Policy Agenda, asked 1,504 registered Latino voters between July 5 and August 5 about inflation, the economy, gun violence, affordable housing, health care costs, abortion and education.

Of those polled, 47% identified as Democrats, 28% as non-partisan, and 17% as Republicans. A Univision analysis of actual 2020 voter turnout in Colorado showed that of 377,128 Hispanic voters, 45% identified as Democrats, 41% non-partisan, and 14% identified as Republicans.

The Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights and Voces Unidas de las Montañas—and their respective action funds, along with Protégete of Conservation Colorado as a partner—commissioned the survey, which BSP Research of California conducted. COLOR is a leading advocate for abortion rights in the state.

The poll focused primarily on progressive talking points, particularly on abortion and climate change.

BSP Research’s poll shows how 1,504 registered Hispanic/Latino voters in Colorado rate top issues.

In the foreground of the respondents’ attention are the rising cost of living and inflation, the economic situation and the improvement in wages and income. They are also concerned about gun violence and mass shootings, affordable housing, health care costs and reducing crime.

Top issues also include abortion rights and discrimination.

Half of those surveyed said their life had gotten worse in the past year.

A quarter said they had left their job in the past year. A third of this group indicated that this was due to poor working conditions. However, almost 40% cited the search for better-paying jobs as the reason for leaving.

59% believe the country is going in the wrong direction, although a majority, 47% versus 39%, believe Colorado is going in the right direction.

The overwhelming majority also say it is important for candidates running for office to reflect the “racial and ethnic diversity” of the community they represent.

When asked which is more important – that a candidate is Latino or that the candidate shares respondents’ political values, 53% say they prefer the latter.