In many parts of the world, it’s common to have more than just a binary choice when it comes to voting. Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom have embraced multi-party systems for years. However, the United States seems to be slowly catching up to this model, especially as the Hispanic vote gains prominence in the 2024 elections. Could a third party win over this crucial voting population?
Still, some prominent Democrats claim that such a ticket might attract a significant number of Democratic voters and act as a spoiler in the upcoming election. In essence, ensuring a Trump victory. Contrary to these concerns, the poll’s findings reveal that 58 percent of Republicans and 46 percent of Democrats support the idea of a third party.
When you dig deeper, Trump’s Hispanic support becomes less impressive, as 70 percent of Hispanics disapprove of him. This means a substantial portion of his Hispanic voters may not be enthusiastic supporters. Likewise, 60 percent of Hispanics disapprove of President Joe Biden, which demonstrates that they haven’t entirely embraced the Democratic Party either. Is it possible that a third-party candidate is the political answer Hispanics are searching for?
One thing is undeniable: No party can afford to ignore the Hispanic vote. Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States, surpassing the number of African Americans and Asians combined. Not only is the Hispanic population growing, but their voter participation rate is also increasing rapidly, jumping nearly 10 percent from 2016 to 2020.
This offers a promising path for a candidate to secure Hispanic support without aligning with the extreme ends of the political spectrum. The organization No Labels, with its idea for a mixed-ticket, bipartisan positioning, is poised to make the most of this opportunity. At the foundation of the No Labels movement is the fact that most Americans, including Hispanics, feel that neither party is putting forth sensible, pragmatic solutions.
This provides a promising route for a candidate to secure Hispanic support without getting entangled in the extreme fringes of the political spectrum. No Labels, with its cross-party approach, doesn’t demand that voters abandon their political ideology or major party affiliations. Rather, it offers the voter a ticket that’s best suited to addressing the needs of the American people.
No Labels can set itself apart by addressing Hispanics as Americans first and Hispanics second. This would mean steering clear of what I call “hispandering” and resorting to disingenuous attempts to connect. Consider how both parties have courted Hispanic voters with cringe-worthy gaffes, ranging from President Trump’s taco salad on Cinco de Mayo to Jill Biden illustrating the uniqueness of Hispanics through breakfast tacos.
The outcome remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Hispanics will play a pivotal role in the upcoming presidential election. Their sizable and growing community, combined with a willingness to vote based on their beliefs rather than party lines, makes them a force to be reckoned with. While the political world speculates about whether Hispanics will align with Republicans or Democrats, it might be time for the media and politicians to prepare for a new narrative if Hispanics opt for a different path.