Millennial and first-time Latino voters look to make big impact in 2016 elections

*Latino millennials are getting a big share of the media attention. It’s a story of potential because the first votes have yet to be cast this primary season. Many organizations and campaigns have placed big bets on them, and the biggest chunk of millennial voters will be going to the polls for the first time. Thoughts? Will they live up to the expectation? VL

By Miguel Otárola, Cronkite News

This time around, Diego Martinez Barrera aspires to make a difference with his vote. At age 20, he’s preparing not just to cast a ballot in his first presidential election, but to help others register to vote for the first time.

“I have family that doesn’t have that right to go out there and vote as I do,” he said. “In some ways, I represent what they can’t. I really just wish for the day where they can attain the citizenship and actually get to vote themselves.”

As U.S. primary season gets underway with the Iowa caucus next Monday, Barrera represents a new phenomenon across the country. Barrera, born in Tucson to undocumented parents, is one of the 3.2 million U.S.-citizen Latinos that reached voting age between the last presidential election and this upcoming one. Together with other millennials, these young Latino voters could bring an important message in November’s elections — if they show up at the polls.

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