1 million more Hispanic voters predicted
Hispanics could account for 1 million new voters in the presidential election, giving the fast-growing group additional clout in hotly contested states like Arizona and Florida, according to a study by Latino group.
The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, a nonpartisan group representing about 6,000 Hispanic officials, expects a record 7 million Hispanics to vote in November, or 6.1 percent of the total electorate, according to its voter projections, released Tuesday.
In 2000, when Republican George W. Bush won, Latino participation was 5.4 percent, or just about 6 million voters.
''We believe this election year will be historic for Latinos," Arturo Vargas, executive director for the NALEO Educational Fund, said during a press conference. -- 1 million new Hispanic voters seen (Reuters via Boston Globe)