Bernardo Ruiz’s succinct and relevant documentary Latino Vote 2024 provides a glimpse into the Latino communities in the United States – specifically, their political viewpoints and the reasoning behind these stances. Told in bold brushstrokes, it doesn’t delve too deeply into any of its subjects’ lives, nor does it mean to. The doc’s main purpose is to showcase the importance of the Latino vote, particularly in this forthcoming election, and as such, it succeeds.
Within a slim running time of 55 minutes, Ruiz takes his viewers all over the country, from Pennsylvania to California, highlighting the states where Latinos form large percentages of the population and play a crucial role politically. Some of the best bits come from the more relatable subjects, like Johanna Ortiz, co-owner of Johanna’s Café, who brings a part of her home to Milwaukee via savory dishes, or Zaleeae Sierra, who became one of “the youngest people in the Lehigh Valley region ever elected to public office.”
“…showcase the importance of the Latino vote, particularly in this forthcoming election…”
The documentary discusses a wide range of issues, including inflation, abortion, gun violence, undocumented immigrants, and Latino media. It also covers Latino Democrats, Republicans, and evangelicals, attempting to give everyone their due (even a Republican-turned-independent is featured to tick all the boxes). Ruiz interviews members of Latino movements and organizations, such as The Libre Initiative, a conservative movement that reaches out to Latino voters around the country.
“Some of them mean well,” states one interviewee about current politicians. “They want to do the right thing. But they get caught up in the rhetoric.” There are other memorable factoids and quotes, like “Out of every 10 Latinos in our country, eight are US citizens” or “Latinos will be the decision-makers when it comes to the next president of the United States.” One gentleman speaks passionately about dealing with some of the more problematic Republican policies to restore the economy as quickly as possible.
Ultimately, to rephrase radio show host Victor Martínez, just like the rest of us, Latinos “have bills to pay.” Some feel like the country is getting worse, while others remain devout patriots; they seek security and freedom. Ruiz’s documentary won’t blow minds, but it’s certainly eye-opening. How relevant it will remain / how badly it will age remains to be seen. Today, it sends an important message, and hence, it gets my vote.
"…it gets my vote..."
