Whether providing financial assistance or uniting the community, the Nevada chapter of Somos Votantes enriches the lives of local Latinos.
From the rising cost of groceries to low wages, economic issues are an intensifying concern for the Latino community in the Silver State.
New polling data from the Latino-led and focused civic and voter engagement group, Somos Votantes, shows that two-thirds of likely Latino voters in Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin say the cost of living has gone up “a lot” over the past year, with more than eight in 10 reporting costs have risen overall. The biggest concerns are grocery prices and rising healthcare and prescription drug costs.
The Nevada chapter of Somos Votantes has not only taken notice. It’s also taking action.
In late March, the group handed out $50 gift cards to attendees at its Nature in Our Backyard resource fair at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas. In December, the group’s nonprofit education fund eliminated $133,832,163 in medical debt for 128,576 Nevadans in Clark and Washoe counties through its Seeds of Relief program.
“People are having to pick between groceries or utilities or rent,” explains Angel Lazcano, Somos Votantes’ Nevada program manager. “It’s hard to see our people struggle. We want to be there to help them out any way we can.”
Not only does Somos Votantes help the community economically, but the group also enriches the lives of local Latinos in other ways, from translating voter information for those with language barriers come election time to offering free professional tax preparation services during tax season.
“We’re focused on helping out our community, whether it be through funds, events, initiatives…or creating safe spaces where the community can come together,” explains Lazcano. “We want to make sure our community knows how to participate and if there are any barriers, try our best to do away with them.”
Keeping the Silver State green for all Nevadans
The Nature in Our Backyard event on March 29 drew about 200 people for food, drinks, live music by Mariachi Esperanza, and other family-friendly entertainment. Along with gift cards and raffle prizes, attendees received free entry to explore the Springs Preserve for the day.
Organized by the Somos Votantes Education Fund, the fair spotlighted local environmental and civic organizations, such as the Sierra Club Toyaybe Chapter, Black People Hike, Chispa NV, and Chicanos Por La Causa. These groups are working to expand transit to public lands and green spaces for Latino families in Nevada, since access to nature and safe outdoor recreation should not be determined by zip code or income.
“There’s a significant lack of green spaces in predominantly Latino communities, and by extension, person of color communities,” explained Lazcano. “Part of that is because we don’t have access to trails. We don’t have bus access. Sometimes, parents might be working two jobs and might not have time to drive all the way out to Mount Charleston or some of the other beautiful places that we have.”
In addition to providing resources, the event was an opportunity for the community to spend some time with their family.
“We know it’s super important to be out there making those memories for our communities because when hard-working people can’t rest, that affects our economy in a negative way,” said Lazcano. “If they can’t enjoy these natural spaces that bring so many health benefits to us, it’s a recipe for disaster. When hardworking people are able to spend that time with family, it nourishes us and makes sure the economy keeps going … especially in times like these.”
Community member Jiromi Pena Martinez has been volunteering at Somos Votantes events since high school and keeps coming back because of the strong community vibe.
“I love to help those in my community, whether it’s tabling, setting up, or running around,” says Martinez, “everything plays a role in creating a good experience for those who attend the events. It brings joy to community members and those who are also volunteering … there’s always new people to meet and help!”
Somos, Chispa NV, Black People Hike LV, Vegas Latinas, and Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN) recently co-hosted another event to provide access to public lands. The “Sistas & Hermanas Unity Hike” in April united Black women and Latinas from across Las Vegas to hike the Historic Railroad Trail in Boulder City.
Poll shows widespread concern about the economy
The cost of living was a dominant and intensifying concern in the recent Somos Votantes poll, the fifth in the group’s quarterly tracking series—and the first to focus exclusively on the key states where control of Congress and governorships will be decided: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
“Our data clearly shows that the cost of living isn’t just an issue—it’s the verdict,” said Melissa Morales, founder and president of Somos Votantes. “From groceries to gas to healthcare, the economic pressures Latino families are having to navigate every day are showing up clearly in how they view current policy — and for the fifth consecutive quarter, while Republicans and Trump are bearing the brunt of that scrutiny, Democrats are under the same lens.”
About 73-74 percent of Latino voters blame politicians for price gouging, arguing they are not doing enough to hold corporations accountable, while 63-64 percent blame Republican economic policies, including tariffs, overseas military spending, and cuts to health and food programs, for rising costs.
The Iran war has emerged as a top Republican vulnerability, driving the highest levels of Latino voter concern in the poll:
- The war with Iran is pushing inflation higher (62-65 percent)
- The war has driven gas prices up (63-64 percent)
- The war is costing American taxpayers in military spending (63%)
Latino voters are 88-91 percent more likely to support candidates who cut waste while safeguarding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and 88-92 percent to support those who create good-paying jobs.
“The economic anxiety and sentiment we noticed increasing throughout our 2025 research persist, even when narrowing our research to the key states and districts,” said Rosa Mendoza, Vice President at Global Strategy Group. “Latino voters are connecting policy decisions made by this Administration to their continuing economic hardships, with the blame landing harder on Republicans than Democrats.”
Despite this opposition to Republican policies, the Latino community has not consolidated for Democrats, which means the opportunity for persuasion remains.
“Latino voters are clear about what they want from their leaders: relief on costs, protection of core programs, and accountability,” said Mendoza. “Who addresses these concerns first will have an advantage come November.”Learn more about getting involved with Somos Votantes on the group’s website.
