CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tuesday night's presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump is having a big impact on voters in North Carolina—especially on voter demographics that have grown since the last election.
"It's an incredible growth," Jose Hernandez-Paris, CEO of Latin American Coalition, said. "Like every generation, we become part of the fabric of this country."
The Latin American Coalition hosted a non-partisan debate watch party in Spanish, something Hernandez-Paris says is necessary for a steadily growing community in Mecklenburg County.
"That's part of the beauty of this country," Hernandez-Paris said. "I don't know what other country it will happen that people listen to a presidential debate in a different language, but, we're very excited."
The population of Hispanic voters statewide has grown exponentially since the last presidential election. In 2020, the state Board of Elections listed 227,838 registered Hispanic voters. The latest count shows that number has grown to 311,586.
Many of them are undecided, making Tuesday night's debate even more important. Hernandez-Paris says it's not about supporting a specific side; it's about discussing the issues important to their community.
"What we have seen in the surveys that we have had with our community, there's two things: the economy and immigration," he said.
He also mentioned understanding inflation and the post-COVID economy as key priorities.
"Is it politics? Is it policy? Is it adapting to a new environment? We're not sure, and that's why having these conversations are so important," Hernandez-Paris said
NBC's latest projections show North Carolina's election is nearly tied and too close to call this early.