As one of the largest swing states it’s hard to determine who Florida will favor come the presidential election. And the Puerto Rican vote could play a big role this year.

  • Latino vote could play a big role in the 2016 presidential election
  • Nonprofit Mi Familia Vota helps Hispanics learn more about civic participation

Onyx Rosario from San Juan, Puerto Rico has been in Osceola County for more than a decade. His wife just got here about a month ago. They’re one of the many families looking for a better future.

“They come here, they leave the island to look for better jobs, better opportunities for the kids, their families... Which is important,” Rosario said.

Mi Familia Vota meaning, My Family Votes is a nonprofit that helps Hispanics like Rosario learn more about civic participation. Due to the growing Hispanic population, Mi Familia Vota just opened an office in Kissimmee to better serve the community.

From time to time, representatives go to the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections to drop off voter registration forms. So far they’ve gathered more than 2,000 applications for this county alone.

“Whether it be Democrat or Republican we want something out there who is willing and is able to represent and speak up for us,” said Ahtziry Barrera, a lead organizer with Mi Familia Vota said.

According to Pew Research Center, 31 percent of eligible Hispanic voters are Cuban but Puerto Ricans are close behind at 27 percent.

“The Latino vote including immigrant and Puerto Rican will make the difference this year,” said Florida State Director for Mi Familia Vota, Esteban Garces. “If you ask me, the Latino vote will determine who the next president is of the United States, here in central Florida.”

Rosario hopes more people will vote for the sake of his future and that of his two little girls.

“The Hispanic voice needs to be heard,” Rosario said.

If you are not registered to vote, the last day to do that and be eligible to vote in the Aug. 30 Primary is Monday before 5 p.m. You have until Oct. 11 to register for the General Election.