POLITICS

Thursday Election Roundup: Demographic Impact on Races

By Rosa Ramirez

Updated: November 1, 2012 | 11:03 a.m.
November 1, 2012 | 10:41 a.m.

Pastors at Florida's black churches have been urging people to vote; their appeals may be working: Voters line up in North Miami to cast their ballot seven days before Election Day. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

For some time, political analysts have wondered whether demographics can shift an election. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening around the country.

This year could prove to be the most racially polarized election in history, reports The Los Angles Times, citing an ABC/Washington Post national poll. More than three-quarters of blacks and Latinos back President Obama, while a growing majority of whites are expected to vote for Mitt Romney.

In a syndicated column, political analyst Michael Barone argues that demography is not destiny. Blacks, while they largely vote Democratic, are not a growing demographic. Florida Hispanics, for instance, are evenly divided among the parties. Similarly, Asian-Americans are not a cohesive voting bloc and may not lean Democrat over time.

Hundreds of newly naturalized American citizens in Georgia are either missing from voting rolls or are being required to show proof of citizenship, The Atlanta Constitution reports.

With Tuesday fast approaching, Florida's black churches press their congregants to get out and vote, The New York Times reports. The Rev. Eugene Diamond shouts above the music on a recent Sunday, “Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go!” In 2008, black voters cast an early ballot at twice the rate of white voters.

Wednesday Election Roundup: The Race for Minority Voters

 

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