Description: A new national survey of Latino Protestant registered voters assesses their views on immigration and the 2008 election. This growing voting bloc reported viewing immigration as a key factor in influencing their vote- on par with abortion and more important than gay marriage. The survey was conducted Oct. 1 through Oct. 7, 2008. It was released Oct. 16, 2008, and sponsored by the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, The Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership, Faith in Public Life, and America’s Voice Education Fund, was based on telephone interviews with 500 U.S. Hispanic voters who said they were either Protestants or Christians.
Findings:
- This survey found that Latino Protestants, who supported George Bush by a wide margin in 2004, now are supporting Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., by a 17-point margin over Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
- Many respondents said immigration issues have a big influence on their choice of candidate, and that they consider immigration to be a faith issue. However, Democrats “have not distinguished themselves as champions for immigration reform,” in the words of the poll.
- Respondents said both parties are guilty of using negative rhetoric in the debate over immigration reform.
