Who’s (not) invited to the party?: Expanding Latino Voter Participation in Washington State

Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group, and one of the fastest-growing, in the United States and in Washington State, but they vote at much lower rates than the rest of the electorate. A literature review and an original study of 11 interviews and 3 focus groups reveal a web of cultural, social, and institutional barriers to electoral participation for Latino eligible voters in Washington State. Through an intersectional framework, the author examines differences between the experiences of electoral barriers among diverse Latino eligible voters based on their geographic and social locations. Based on varying experiences and needs across Washington State, this capstone recommends the adoption and implementation of four policy alternatives, which include election systems changes and more concerted voter engagement efforts.