A look at the Hispanic vote in Arkansas during Hispanic Heritage Month

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Two weeks into Hispanic Heritage Month, a new NBC News /Telemundo/CNBC poll shows that Latino support for the Democrat in this year’s presidential race is above that of support for the Republican candidate but has dropped to its lowest level for a Democrat in several election cycles.

Some may wonder why and if the campaigns of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are doing enough to reach out to these critical voters.

Dr. Terry Richard joined KARK 4 Today to address some of the concerns.

Richard is a former Arkansas state director of the League of United Latin American Citizens and professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas Little Rock.

A Hispanic Federation – Latino Victory Foundation poll taken mid-August found that the Latino group showed a renewed interest in voting overall after the top of the Democratic ticket changed.

Harris is getting less support among Latinos than past Democrats reaching for the White House.

Richard said that plays against type in Arkansas because the population is mostly made up of Mexicans, a group that may arrive in the U.S. with fewer resources than the Cubans who routinely make their homes in Florida.

Richard also said those with less money tend to favor the political party that gives the most support to social services, which is usually the Democratic party.

The Pew Research Center indicates that the economy is the biggest issue for Latinos, with 85% of those polled reporting as such.

The latest NBC poll shows that though voters prefer Harris on temperament and competency, Trump has the advantage on the economy.

Richard said the campaigns still seem to be refining their message to this key demographic even though the presidential election is just 33 days away.

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