I’m a Latino, and This Is Why I’m Voting For VP Harris

When it comes to the election, off the bat, I’m hyped about the idea of many firsts — the first woman president and the first Brown woman president. I never imagined we’d see a WOC president in my lifetime. A half-Black, half-South Asian woman in the White House? It gives me tremendous hope. Two years ago, I penned my book “Brown Enough” about how Brownness exists outside the Black-and-white race conversation, and now the complexity and nuance of this beautiful middle space is taking center stage.

But then, it gets complex. I’m not a huge believer in the idea that one person, one politician, one single anything, can reverse or heal centuries of racism and bad policy. The system is the system. Not even the first Brown/Black/mixed-race woman president can single-handedly dismantle institutional injustices.

It’s complicated. While Vice President Kamala Harris has called for humanitarian efforts in global conflicts, she’s still part of a system entangled in geopolitical complexities. And yet, as a Latino American, I undoubtedly will vote for her.

Latines need to care deeply about this election. We need to make sure every single one of us goes out to vote. Our voices are powerful. We’re one of the fastest-growing demographics in the United States, and the Census Bureau estimates there were 65.2 million Hispanics in the US as of July 2023, a new high. We make up more than 19 percent of the nation’s population, and our collective vote can shape the future of this country. This isn’t just about choosing a leader; it’s about choosing the direction we want for ourselves, our communities, and our children.

I’m just gonna say it: Harris is the better choice for Latine communities. Why? Because she represents a shift toward inclusivity and understanding. Throughout her career, she’s shown commitment to issues that directly impact us — immigration reform, access to health care, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. As vice president, she’s worked on addressing the root causes of migration from Central America, focusing on economic development, combating corruption, and promoting human rights. She’s advocated for small businesses — many of which are owned by Latinos — especially during the pandemic, pushing for better access to funding and resources.

Now, let’s talk about the alternative. A Donald Trump victory would be harmful for Latines. We’ve seen this movie play out before. During his time in the oval office, he implemented policies that separated families at the border, made attempts to dismantle DACA, and he has consistently fed into a dangerous anti-immigration rhetoric that doesn’t just harm Latine communities — it dehumanizes us. He’s also made attempts to exclude undocumented immigrants from the census count, which would affect representation and federal funding. These actions have sown fear and division in our communities.

We can’t afford to return to policies that disregard our humanity and paint us as “others” who are unworthy. This isn’t just political; it’s personal. Harris has been involved in policies that support Brown and Black communities. She’s advocated for criminal justice reform, working to end cash bail and address mass incarceration that disproportionately affects people of color. She’s pushed for maternal healthcare initiatives to tackle the high rates of maternal mortality among Black and Brown women. She’s been vocal about environmental justice, recognizing that our communities are often the hardest hit by pollution and climate change. Our future is on the line. Policies enacted in the next four years will impact us for generations. Latinos have the power to influence change, but only if we show up.

According to a report by the UCLA Center for Scholars and Storytellers, almost half of Gen Z respondents (48.2 percent) said they were not motivated to vote at all in the 2024 presidential election prior to Harris’s nomination. A third of that group now says they are motivated to vote for her. But the shift I really love from this study moves away from simply identity politics. We shouldn’t just vote for her because she’s Brown, mixed, a woman, etc. According to the study, 82.7 percent of Gen Z respondents cited reasons other than Harris’s racial or gender identity to explain their motivation to vote for her, expressing confidence in the political system’s ability to serve their interests. What does that say to me? Hope. Harris provides hope. The presidency is simply an idea, one with a proud history and also a flawed history — a shameful and oppressive one. These histories need to coexist as we imagine and hope for a better future.

As someone obsessed with that middle Brown space — the world of many shades, identities, and colors — I know that Harris could also become a catalyst for a more inclusive political conversation that fully acknowledges the richness of our identities. But in the meantime, it’s still on us to use our voices, speak up, act out against injustice in spaces small and large, and fight for liberation. Because Brown, Black, white — whoever is in office — we still have work to do. We drive the change, not them. That part is not complicated.

So let’s show up. Let’s vote. Let’s hold leaders accountable. Let’s continue pushing for a world that recognizes and celebrates the beauty in our complexities.

Christopher Rivas is the author of “Brown Enough,” an exploration of what it means to be Brown in a Black/white world. He also hosts two podcasts: “Brown Enough” and “Rubirosa.” On screen, Christopher is known for his work on the Fox series “Call Me Kat,” opposite Mayim Bialik. His latest book, “You’re a Good Swimmer,” is about the enchanting journey of conception without gendered terms and inclusive of all family dynamics.