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Florida Voting Guide

Llamado Boricua: Puerto Rican leaders in Central Florida launch voting initiative for 2024 elections

By Mivette Vega

September 10, 2024

Florida Rep. Johanna López, highlights the importance of supporting Puerto Rican candidates and those who advocate for policies that align with the community’s needs.

 

Puerto Rican leaders in Central Florida have launched “Llamado Boricua,” a new initiative to mobilize the Puerto Rican community to vote in the Nov. 5 elections. 

With more than 1.2 million Puerto Ricans living in Florida, the community has become the second-largest Latino group in the state, giving them significant influence over the electoral landscape.

The movement aims to raise awareness about the importance of voting, focusing on key issues affecting the Puerto Rican community, such as the cost of living, education, and affordable housing. 

Betsy Franceschini, a community leader involved in the movement, emphasized the power of the Puerto Rican vote in shaping the future of their communities. “Our concerns have been ignored for too long, and it’s time to take action. Llamado Boricua is about empowering our community to understand the power of their vote,” Franceschini said.

Florida Rep. Johanna López, another key figure in the movement, highlighted the importance of supporting Puerto Rican candidates and those who advocate for policies that align with the community’s needs.

“This is a community-driven effort to increase visibility and participation in the electoral process. There are several Puerto Rican candidates running, and we need to ensure we are supporting those who truly represent our interests,” she during a news conference.

Some of the Puerto Rican candidates running for various positions are María Revelles for the State House of Representatives in District 47, two candidates for mayor of Kissimmee, Congressman Darren Soto, and López for District 43.

The movement also plans to present findings from a recent survey conducted by the Puerto Rico Research Hub at the University of Central Florida. The results revealed that economic challenges, access to quality education, and affordable housing are top concerns for Puerto Rican voters.

Llamado Boricua will focus on community outreach to increase voter participation and ensure Puerto Ricans in Florida have their voices heard at the local, state, and national levels. As the fastest-growing Latino group in Florida, Puerto Ricans have the potential to significantly influence the outcome of the 2024 elections.

RELATED: Survey reveals Florida Puerto Ricans prioritize state issues over Puerto Rico’s status debate

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Author

  • Mivette Vega

    Mivette Vega is a seasoned journalist and multimedia reporter whose stories center the Latino community. She is passionate about justice, equality, environmental matters, and animals. She is a Salvadorrican—Salvadorian that grew up in Puerto Rico—that has lived in San Juan, Venice, Italy, and Miami.

CATEGORIES: Election 2024
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