Census 2002: Latino Registration Shows Record Growth Rate
8.1 Million Total in Off Year Growth Portends Well for 2004’s Growth
Los Angeles, CA – According to the United States Census Bureau Current Population Survey Latino voter registration soared to an all-time record of nearly 8.2 million Latino voters in 2002 General Election. “This statistic adds another chapter to the story of rising Latino voter clout. While all voter registration has declined for every off year election since 1990, Latino voter registration accelerated its growth,” stated Antonio Gonzalez, President of the William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI).
National Growth Off Year Election |
2000 |
2002 |
Total |
Total VR |
Latino VR |
Total VR |
Latino VR |
Total VR |
Latino VR |
129,549 |
7,546 |
128,154 |
8,196 |
-1,395 |
650 |
Source: US Census Current Population Survey 2000 and 2002
“The data proves that the Latino community is now the most positive force in the American electorate,” added Gonzalez. This is the largest numeric growth ever for the Latino electorate from a presidential to a non-presidential election. A net gain of six hundred and fifty thousand registered Latino voters were recorded in 2001-02, doubling the Latino registered voter growth in similar electoral periods in 1997-98 (+270,000) and 1993-94 (+336,000).
Growth in Voter Registration in Off Years (in thousands) |
Year |
US VR |
Change from Pres Year |
Latino VR |
Change from Pres Year |
1990 |
113,277 |
-5,336 |
4,442 |
-131 |
1994 |
118,994 |
-7,584 |
5,473 |
336 |
1998 |
123,104 |
-4,557 |
6,843 |
270 |
2002 |
128,154 |
-1,395 |
8,196 |
650 |
Source: US Census Current Population Survey 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2002
The biggest increases in Latino voter registration in 2001-02 were in the states of Texas, California and Florida with each receiving over 100,000 net new Latino voters. In Florida Latino voter registration grew to 12.5% share of all registered voters.
Based on this rapid off year growth WCVI has revised upward it projection for growth in Latino voter registration with a prediction that 9.441 million Latinos will be registered for the 2004 election. Latino voter turnout will reach 7.4 million votes cast. Each would be a new record for Latino registration and turnout.
National Growth Projection (in thousands) |
2000 |
2004* |
Total |
Total VR |
Latino VR |
Total VR |
Latino VR |
Total VR Ch |
Latino VR Ch |
129,549 |
7,546 |
129,730 |
9,441 |
181 |
1,895 |
Source: US Census Current Population Survey 2000 and 2004* WCVI Projections
WCVI, chartered in 1985, is a nonpartisan, non-profit, Latino-oriented research and policy think tank with offices in San Antonio, Texas and Los Angeles, California. More information regarding Latino voter analysis and the WCVI is available online at www.wcvi.org.
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