What #NAHREPVotes Means in 2026

A blog empowering Hispanic homeownership through advocacy and policy.

By Jovana Campos
April 23, 2026

NAHREP 10 Discipline 7: Be politically savvy, because public policy matters

There’s a reason being politically savvy found its way into the NAHREP 10 wealth-building disciplines: public policy shapes everything. From gas prices and the cost of healthcare to the job market and economic mobility, policy decisions ripple through every part of our lives. This is especially true in housing, one of the most highly regulated industries. Whether we pay attention to them or not, politics and public policy matter.

The Latino community has grown into a powerful economic force in the United States, leading the way in homeownership, workforce participation, business ownership, and beyond. As this influence continues to expand, it becomes increasingly important to protect and sustain these opportunities. And that’s where public policy and being politically savvy come in. Latinos are an important part of the electorate and one of the fastest-growing segments of the population. Yet, voter participation among Latinos continues to fall behind.

That is why #NAHREPVotes was created. To raise awareness and provide a platform for voter engagement within our network. As leaders in housing and advocates for the Hispanic community, we have the responsibility to demonstrate the importance of civic participation and help ensure accurate representation in our nation’s decision-making.

The Power of the Latino Vote

Latino voters are emerging as one of the most closely watched voting segments as we head into the 2026 midterm election cycle. With more than 36 million eligible voters, Latinos are the second-largest voting bloc in the country and growing. Latinos are younger than the overall population, and so are their voters. On average, about 1 million U.S.-born Latinos turn 18 each year, making them newly eligible to register to vote. Today, 31% of eligible Latino voters are between the ages of 18 and 29, compared to 20% of the overall eligible electorate.

Latinos are not only increasingly influencing election outcomes, but also have the potential to shape them. Latino voter participation has historically lagged behind other segments of the electorate. In the 2024 Presidential Election, 50.6% of eligible Latinos turned out to vote, compared to 65.3% of the general eligible. Although this shows an improvement compared to previous elections, there is still work to be done. Imagine if Latinos turned out at the same rate as the rest of the voting population; the impact would be monumental.

The 2026 Midterm Elections: The Time Is Now

In addition to relatively lower turnout rates, midterm elections are often generally overlooked, but their impact is more significant than you may think. During midterm elections, all 435 seats of the U.S House of Representatives and one-third of the U.S. Senate are up for election. Additionally, there are many high-profile gubernatorial elections taking place during the midterms. This year, there are 39 gubernatorial races, including in states with large Latino populations, such as California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Lastly, we can’t underestimate the power of local politics. There is a saying that goes, “all politics is local.” The issues people care about most, and the decisions that impact their daily lives, are often made close to home. While national debates get the attention, it’s local leaders and local policies that shape what people actually experience in their communities. That’s particularly true for housing, where decisions about zoning, land use, permitting, density, and development all happen at the local level. City councils, county boards, and planning commissions determine what gets built, where it gets built, and how quickly it moves forward.

Get Involved With #NAHREPVotes

With this year’s midterm elections underway, now is the time to get involved. Whether this is your first time voting or not, here are a few tips to help you get started and make an impact.

1. Learn Your Voting Options & Ballot. Understand how you can vote (In-person, early, or mail-in) and take time to review your ballot ahead of time so you know exactly what you’re voting for. Visit Vote 411 to research your state’s voting options and ballot.
2. Research Where Your Candidates Stand. Look at candidates’ positions on key issues surrounding NAHREP’s 2026 Policy Priorities, especially around housing supply, affordability, access to credit, and economic opportunity, to make informed decisions. Visit gov to find your local representatives and learn more about their current committee and subcommittee assignments.
3. Get Involved in Voter Outreach Efforts. Support nonpartisan organizations working to expand voter access and education through volunteering opportunities. Here are a few suggestions:
   • Fair Vote Action: Works to reform election systems and advocates for changes that make elections more accessible, representative, and fair.
   • Vote with the League of Women Voters: Helps register voters, provides nonpartisan election information, and focuses on encouraging informed participation in government.
   • Rock the Vote: Helps register voters and encourages young people to participate in elections. It focuses on increasing civic engagement through education, outreach, and easy access to voter registration.
   • Vote Forward: Empowers volunteers to encourage voter turnout by writing personalized, nonpartisan letters to potential voters. It uses grassroots outreach to help increase participation in elections, especially among underrepresented communities.

   Research volunteering opportunities through your local city council or county departments to get involved in your community. Always ensure that the websites end with .gov for credibility.

4. Stay Informed & Spread the Word. Talk with friends, family, and your community. Sharing accurate information helps strengthen collective awareness and participation. As we head into the 2026 midterms, take a moment to reflect on the past two years of the decisions that have shaped our community, especially when it comes to housing and economic opportunity for the Latino voters can be when we are informed and engaged. Now is the time to turn that reflection into action.

Vote for yourself, for your community, and for those whose voices too often go unheard!