Comparison of 2022/2023 Hispanic Voter Turnout by Party Affiliation by County within the Fuerzas Unidas Caucus (FZUC) Regions

By Vicky Estrada-Bustillo

Introduction

The 2022 election in New Mexico determined congressional seats, in addition to governor and statewide legislative positions. The New Mexico 2023 election focused on local races, such as school board members, city councilors and mayors. Local race election years consistently have lower voter turnout. Given the disparity in voter turnout, we cannot compare the number of Hispanic voters between 2022 and 2023. However, it is worth taking the time to compare the percentage of Hispanic voters that turned out within each county and Fuerzas Unidas Caucus regional area (See Table 1 and Table 2).

Analysis

The Tables below highlight the number and percentages of Hispanic voters that voted by county by region for each party (democrat (DEM), republican (REP), declined to state (DTS) and Other. The Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) provided Fuerzas Unidas Caucus with voting data for 2022 and 2023 for each of the counties. Fuerzas Unidas Caucus then organized the counties by Caucus regions.  This data focuses on Hispanics who voted, not those simply registered to vote.

Comparing Table 1 to Table 2, Hispanic democratic voter percentages increased from 2022 to 2023 in 23 of the 30 New Mexico Counties. The greatest increase of Hispanic democratic voters, by more than 10% points occurred in Eddy County. Several Counties showed an increase of more than 5 % of Hispanic democratic voters including McKinley, Sandoval, Bernalillo, and Curry Counties.

There were 10 counties that showed an increase in Hispanic republican percentage voter turnout from 2022 to 2023. In 6 of these counties (Taos, Harding, Mora, Catron, Roosevelt and Otero), decrease in both democratic and DTS voting percentage, resulted in an increase in Hispanic republican voter percentage. The greatest increase in Hispanic republican percentage was in Harding County with a 10 % increase due to decline in both democratic and DTS Hispanic voter percentages. Interestingly, Sierra County, which had the greatest decline in percentage of Hispanic democratic voters, did not have the greatest increase in percent of Hispanic republican voters. Increases also occurred in DTS and Other, indicating that voters were less likely to identify with either of the two main parties.

Summary

Even though we cannot directly compare Hispanic voter numbers between the 2022 and 2023 elections in New Mexico, we can compare percentages. Additionally, we can use this data to serve as a baseline to determine future voting trends in our 33 counties.

This data can help us assess the best way for Fuerzas Unidas Caucus and its members, candidates and DPNM to use our resources in preparation for the upcoming 2024 election. As this data indicates, we need to engage Hispanics and invest resources in all our counties, but especially those that are showing increases in percentage of republican Hispanic voters.

We know that when we make the time and effort to meet with Hispanics in their communities, listen to their issues and share information about what the Democratic Party is doing for them, we are able to increase the Democratic Hispanic voter turnout.

So, take a moment to make YOUR Hispanic outreach plan. In addition to engaging the Hispanics in the county where you live, consider offering your support to one of the 10 counties highlighted in Table 2. 2023 Election Results.  Contact the county chair, take a trip and join their outreach efforts.

Working together is how we become Fuerzas Unidas.

TABLES 1 & 2: New Comparison 2022-2023 Hispanic Voters by County By Region