New report highlights rising influence and untapped potential of Latino voters in Massachusetts
October 5, 2026
Boston – A new report produced by the Mauricio Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston in partnership with the Latino Equity Fund at the Boston Foundation documents the rapid growth of Massachusetts’ Latino voting-age population, but finds continued opportunity for Latino citizens to turn that growth into political influence through voter registration and participation.
The report, ¡Somos Más! The Latino Vote and the Strength of Democracy in Massachusetts, was released today in a webinar hosted by LEF and the Gastón Institute. The report highlights the notable rise in Massachusetts’ Latino adult citizen population, from 175,000 in 2000 to 520,000 in 2024, and even faster growth in the number of registered Latino voters in Massachusetts elections, from 103,000 in 2000 to 356,000 in 2024. Today, 68.5 percent of eligible Latino adults in Massachusetts are registered to vote, surpassing the rates of other non-White groups.
The data, however, also reveal a substantial opportunity to improve voter participation beyond registration. Fewer than half of Latino voting-age citizens cast a ballot in the 2024 Presidential election in Massachusetts (49.6%), roughly unchanged since 2004. As a result, while Latinos comprise nearly 1-in-8 Massachusetts adults, they made up just 7.6 percent of voters in 2024.
“This research sends a powerful message: the future of Massachusetts cannot be understood without understanding Latino communities. By 2035, Latinos will number more than one million residents, representing a growing share of the Commonwealth's workers, entrepreneurs, taxpayers, parents, and voters,” said Lorna Rivera, Director of the Mauricio Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy. “The question is not whether Latinos will shape Massachusetts' future; they already are. The question is whether our institutions, policies, and political systems are listening. This report highlights why it is imperative to understand the issues, priorities, and political diversity of Latino voters so that we can build a Commonwealth where representation, opportunity, and belonging extend to every community."
“As the eligible Latino electorate continues to grow, we need to understand where and how we can contribute to the civic discourse, as voters, community members and civic leaders,” said Javier Juarez, Executive Director of the Latino Equity Fund at the Boston Foundation. “Recognizing and understanding the power of our shared voice is a critical step in determining together how to use it effectively to shatter myths, address important issues and highlight the many ways Latino culture is enhancing the American experience.”
The report also looked at the myth of the Latino monolith, noting the differences in ages, backgrounds, voting registration levels and voting preferences in heavily Latino communities around the state. Looking specifically at the 2024 presidential race in precincts in Chelsea, Holyoke, Lawrence, Methuen and Springfield with over 70 percent Latino adult populations, the researchers found wide differences in voter turnout and candidate preferences. Voters in heavily Latino precincts in Springfield, Chelsea and Holyoke were five to 11 percentage points more likely to vote for the Harris-Walz presidential ticket than voters in heavily Latino precincts in Lawrence and Methuen.
¡Somos Más! Is the first in what will be a series of work on civic and voting engagement. A report on civic engagement organizations will follow in the coming months, and LEF and the Gaston Institute are exploring possible avenues for more qualitative research into voting behavior and civic engagement.
The report is now available through the Gastón Institute and TBF.org.