Report by The LIBRE Institute Closely Predicts Final Number
(Washington, D.C.) – According to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau, the turnout rate for Latino voters in 2016 declined slightly from 2012, falling from 48 percent to just 47.6 percent. Because of growth in the size of the Latino population overall, the total number of Latino voters increased to 12.7 million, as compared to 11.2 million in 2012. While some analysts had predicted a surge in Latino voters, that increase did not materialize. Instead, the total number of Latino voters was closely in line with historical trends as was projected by The LIBRE Institute in its “Hispanic MVP” report, released in October, 2016. According to that report, “Hispanics will cast 13,028,298 ballots and represent 9.39 percent of the total vote.” The U.S. Census data indicate that Latino voters comprised 9.2 percent of the total.
Jorge A. Lima, Executive Director of The LIBRE Institute, released the following statement:
“It’s important that all Americans – including Latinos – inform themselves about critical public policy questions, and express their views on the direction of the nation by exercising the right to vote. While more Hispanics voted than ever before in 2016, a smaller percentage chose to cast a ballot. While the final turnout of Hispanic voters followed past trends, as reported by The LIBRE Institute report, we are hopeful that more Latinos will continue to become civically engaged in a range of ways – including exercising their right to vote. These data also emphasize the importance of public officials engaging with the Hispanic community to earn their vote – both now and in the future.”
For interviews with a representative of The LIBRE Institute, please contact Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4463
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