This year, Latinos are likely to play a major role in the congressional elections in suburban Denver – and possibly even in the Western Slope.

Why it matters: The votes of these candidates could change the face of Congress in the fall.

Robert Preuh, professor of political science at Metro State University, tells us that the voting bloc represents approximately 15% of Colorado voters. However, they represent roughly 23% Colorado residents.

Preuh says that the Latinos are generally younger, and some of them are not citizens.

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UnidosUS estimates that 17.5 million Latinos will vote in this year’s presidential election in the U.S. One in five of them will be voting for the first time.

Tim Hernandez, Colorado’s director, tells us that some Latinos in Colorado are not aware they can vote. Advocacy organizations such as Mi Familia Vota work to correct this.

Hernandez says that even though the state offers automatic voter registration, some people may not be aware of their eligibility.

Zoom in: U.S. Rep. Yadira Caravéo, a Democrat who is running for reelection, and the first Latina to be elected to Congress in Colorado won the 8th Congressional District Seat in 2022 due to Latino Support.

Hernandez believes Latinos are “critical” to determining the winner of a district that stretches from Denver northwards to Greeley. Preuh claims that no congressional district in Colorado has more Latinos as voters.

It is considered to be one of the most competitive districts across the country.

The 3rd Congressional district seat, which was held by Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert before she moved to the fourth district, is now a very open race.

Preuh, who represents the Western Slope, Pueblo and Pueblo districts, says that this seat is not given nearly enough attention because of its large Latino population. This district ranks third in Colorado.

Preuh claims that Latinos are more conservative in rural areas than they are in urban areas.

Hernandez says that a higher voter registration rate would translate into a greater voter share. However, it is too early to tell if this means these voters will make a significant impact in areas like CD3.

Context: Latino voters are most concerned about addressing the issues of climate change, job creation, gun violence, and abortion access. These issues are also important to typical voters.

Dusti Gurule is the intrigue. She says that a state law enshrining reproductive rights and abortion in Colorado’s constitution would increase Latino voter participation.

Gurule, an organization that helped place the measure on ballots and supported Caraveo’s re-election campaign, told us that the vote would provide “tangible” ways for people to make a difference in the lives of thousands.

UnidosUS, an American civil rights organization, found that younger Latino voters are less likely than older voters to identify themselves as Democrats.