Luis Dávila: Puerto Rico’s future tied to November elections, urges Florida Puerto Ricans to vote

The new president recognizes the challenges faced by Floricuas, including the high cost of living, especially in rent and home insurance.

Luis Dávila Pernas assumed the presidency of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico, during the Democratic National Convention (DNC), last week in Chicago.

After the DNC, Dávila feels hopeful, because he trusts in the possibilities that the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, has.

RELATED: A step-by-step guide on how to register to vote in 2024

“We saw an energized base. Certainly, we see a Kamala Harris with the potential to win this election, and to determine herself in all those key states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan… Those swing states that will decide the November election,” Dávila told Floricua.

Dávila highlighted that the Democratic Party’s work plan has had had good results for the Island during President Joe Biden’s administration, with its inclusion in federal programs such as the Child Tax Credit and the Income Tax Credit.

The president believes that if Harris wins, other programs included in the party’s work plan could be achieved, such as the Supplemental Security Income, which currently excludes Puerto Rico.

“We hope that in the next term some of these promises can be fulfilled, including that of resolving the status of Puerto Rico, which has clear language on it,” said Dávila.

The new president recognizes the challenges faced by Floricuas, including the high cost of living, especially in rent and home insurance. At the same time, they are aware of the news from the island because many still have family there.

Four out of five eligible voters in Florida did not participate in the August primary, resulting in the lowest primary voter turnout in a decade.

In these elections, positions are chosen that will have a direct impact on the daily lives of Floridians, such as the sheriff, school board members and mayors.

RELATED: Here’s what young Latino voters in Orlando have to say about the election

However, Dávila encourages Puerto Ricans to vote in the Nov. 5 elections, because voting for the president of the US, in addition to having an impact on their state, will affect the island.

“It is a right, but it is also a privilege that they have, which we Puerto Ricans here who live on the island do not have. And that can make a difference. In a primary, any type of position, whether it be sheriff, school board director, all of those positions are important, but the positions of president, vice president of the United States, and one third of the Senate,” Dávila said. “In fact, Rick Scott is on that ballot for re-election and he is going against Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a Latina candidate. And at the same time, the candidates for the House who are going to lead the destiny of the House of Representatives for the next two years, well, it is important that Puerto Ricans and all Latinos go out and vote.”

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.