9 minute read
The Latino Vote in 2024: Interview with Dr. Joe Tafoya
2023 - 2024 CLR FACULTY FELLOWS SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Joe Tafoya is an Assistant Professor of Political Science. His teaching has been focused on the dignity of individuals, their relationship to complex institutional designs, and using evidence to identify opportunities for social progress. His research has focused on topics such as Latinx Politics, Immigration Policy, Race/Ethnicity Relations, and Public Opinion. As part of his research, he has explored opportunities for Latino political engagement and attitudes towards immigrants by the American public. We discussed his most recent project for the CLR Faculty Fellowship, in partnership with Dr. Yuriko Takahashi, in which he delves further into what is dictating voter turnout for communities of color while finding strategies to increase political engagement for groups that have been politically invisible.
Interview conducted by Josue Paniagua
I'm a political science professor on the tenure track, focusing on the Latinx/é community. My classes and research revolve around the politics of people of color and participatory democracy. I examine the involvement of Latinos and African Americans in the political system, particularly in relation to voting and representative government. The aim is to protect and uphold democracy and its values. Currently, our communities are growing and that is a gift. Communities of color show a strong interest in utilizing available tools, such as voting, to increase our political power and actively defend the less fortunate. Through this process, my academic work is on the various aspects of our identity, exploring our shared sense of peoplehood, migration experiences, and the challenges our families and ancestors overcame to establish themselves in the US.
What is your CLR Faculty Fellowship project focused on and what has your experience been like with this fellowship so far?
My fellowship began with the establishment of an international research collaboration with Dr. Yuriko Takahashi from Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. Our joint effort focused on uncovering gaps in our understanding of the Latino vote. To begin, we conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature on the subject. In one paper we recently presented in Vancouver, Canada, I put forth the argument that, election after election, Latino voters are consistently 20% less likely than non-Latinos to participate in voting. The reality is that less than 50% of Latinos vote, in contrast to the 65-70% turnout among white and African American voters.
So, I asked, what are we missing? During our research, Yuriko discovered instances in political science where young Latinos were overlooked and systematically excluded from voter outreach lists employed by political campaigns. These lists serve as the foundation for mobilizing voters. However, we found that these lists were incomplete. Consequently, Yuriko and I collaborated on this project, with me focusing on statistical data analysis. Through my analysis, I uncovered that Latino men between the ages of 18 and 30 have an 80% likelihood of being classified as politically invisible. This means that they do not appear on the campaign lists and are consistently left out of essential voter mobilization efforts crucial for increasing overall voter turnout.
As we delved deeper into our research, a significant question arose: How do we effectively communicate with the politically invisible? When examining the voting patterns of communities of color, we often find that voting behavior is community-oriented. Therefore, we realized the importance of raising awareness about the community itself, its size, and the ongoing conversations within it. Thus, the central focus of our paper shifted towards understanding how to engage the politically invisible. Our key finding from this project, which I find particularly exciting, is that if we can persuade Latino youth, especially Latino men, that exercising their right to vote is a way of honoring their community, they are more likely to do so. In essence, we have identified a systemic issue within the community and proposed a solution by instilling self-belief. This research allows us to delve into multiple fields, including political science and Latino studies, making it intellectually stimulating and exciting to discuss.
What have been the biggest takeaways you have uncovered from researching Latinos as politically active?
The main aspect of my research focuses on voting and developing innovative strategies to increase voter turnout. Additionally, I explore the political dynamics surrounding undocumented individuals. While political science traditionally emphasizes the concepts of citizenship and voting, I sought to investigate the lesser-explored aspects. I questioned the extent of people's political knowledge and examined the political engagement of those without voting rights. Often overlooked are individuals without proper documentation, their ability to assert their agency, effectively communicate their beliefs and desires, and achieve their goals Initially, there was limited literature on this topic five to ten years ago. However, through experiments, data collection, and interviews, we discovered that undocumented individuals and DREAMers were actively engaged in politics. Despite being unable to vote, they could mobilize others to vote, volunteer, contribute to campaigns, and participate in various political activities, indicating their significant presence in American politics.
How has the political landscape changed for Latinx people in this country and in Chicago? In what ways has their relationship to voting evolved?
We are genuinely enthusiastic about increasing voter participation, and we strongly believe that it is crucial to approach Latino voters and individuals residing in communities facing unique challenges with compassion and empathy. Having spent significant time in Texas, I was personally taken aback by the apparent apathy among people. However, it is essential to recognize that this indifference is largely a result of systemic factors rather than individual shortcomings. Rather than placing blame on individuals for not voting, we should direct our attention towards examining the institutions that have shaped the existing incentives.
By starting with this compassionate and empathetic perspective, we can then focus on developing more effective strategies to mobilize the community to vote. Our ultimate objective is to convey these insights to influential entities such as the Biden administration and the Democratic Party. Through our research, we aim to devise tested and proven strategies that will enable the inclusion of marginalized individuals and outsiders. Notably, this year, the Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago (from August 19 to August 22), and our city serves as a representation of the very best of America. Latinx groups will have a significant presence in the national conversation, offering a platform to promote our goals and engage in constructive dialogue.
As this year’s election gets closer, what should voters, especially Latinx voters, keep in mind before stepping into the voting booth?
Latinx voters currently hold a significant and impactful presence in electoral politics, which is more meaningful and important than ever before. Republicans are recognizing that they cannot rely solely on their existing constituency to secure victory, prompting them to actively appeal to and engage with Latinos who have previously been overlooked in political conversations. Notably, Republicans are particularly effective in reaching out to Latino men, who show a higher level of persuadability and openness to considering Republican candidates. As Latinx voters participate in the upcoming November elections, they will be motivated and enthusiastic, knowing that the political system is capable of recognizing their significance and that both parties are actively seeking their support. Now more than ever, Latinx voters have a powerful voice, and the parties want to be responsive to their concerns. Their opinions and perspectives now hold weight, and the parties are interested in hearing what Latinx voters have to say.
Has this fellowship revealed the next phase of what your research will be based on?
In the next phase of this project, the international collaboration with Dr Yuriko Takahashi from Waseda University in Japan will be central. Both DePaul and Waseda University have become key players in this project, allowing us to advocate for and secure meaningful resources. These resources include grants in the tens of thousands of dollars. In January, I applied for a grant of $138,000 to implement the lessons we have learned. Our goal over the summer is to engage with approximately 1,500 politically invisible Latinx young adults. To accomplish this, we require various resources such as space, staff, phones, and phone banks. We are eager to acquire everything we can to support our efforts Nos vamos a involucrar más.
This project has also inspired me to explore the unseen aspects, akin to the dark side of the moon. There are things we don't know that we don't know. What does the dark side of the moon look like for Latinx voters? I intend to apply the lessons we have learned about voter exclusion to those who have not even been invited to the conversation about political choices. How can we better understand them? How can we extend invitations to address the 20% gap between Latino and non-Latino voters in national elections? I firmly believe that this collaboration and the project I am working on will have significant ramifications in our understanding of Latino voters for the next 10 or 20 years.
I am deeply grateful for the faculty fellowship provided by the Center for Latino Research. The fellowship has given me the time and encouragement to apply for major grants, write a 30-page paper on this topic, and present it at academic conferences. The CLR has truly been a game changer in enabling the progress of this project. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive community of scholars who generously contribute to my research agenda, further enriching my academic endeavors.
Is there a book or piece of media outside of your research that you have been enjoying recently?
Aside from my research, one source of enjoyment and inspiration for me lately has been a podcast called "The Latino Vote." It brings together prominent Latino voices in the country to provide insightful and unbiased information on voting patterns among Latino voters.
In terms of non-academic media, I have been particularly enjoying cumbia music. Artists like Los Angeles Azules have been on my playlists. Whenever I find myself running out of energy during the day while working on statistics and administrative tasks, I play a cumbia track, and suddenly I'm energized and moving along with the music. I've been trying to infuse that momentum and vibrant spirit that Latinos have into my work.
