This presentation will examine Latino voter registration rates and voting rates in the presidential elections from 1992 through 2012 with projections to 2016. Latinos have had the lowest voter registration rates in the nation at 58% of all eligible voters, compared with about 73% among Non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks; and the lowest overall participation rate at 48% of all eligible voters compared with about 67% among Non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks. Potential Latino political influence has been mitigated by these low rates.

These trends will be examined nationally and in important swing states the most critical of which is Florida. Two sets of swing states will be examined: 1) Those with large Latino populations: Florida, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona; 2) Those with small Latino populations which could affect the election results in a tight election: North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Lunch will be provided.

For more information: lavst12@pitt.edu
www.ucis.pitt.edu/clas