Poll: Black, Latino voters in Michigan prioritize energy costs, pollution

With Michigan a key battleground state in the upcoming midterm elections, rising energy bills and concerns about pollution are weighing heavily on Black and Latino voters, according to a new poll commissioned by the Climate Equity Action Fund.

The poll found 92% of those surveyed want political candidates to prioritize lowering energy costs. Another 63% are very concerned the growth of data centers could drive utility bills even higher.

Ken Whittaker, executive director of the advocacy group Michigan United Action, questioned who will foot the bill for the infrastructure needed to power data centers.

“Data centers use an enormous amount of electricity, but to power them, utilities need new plants, they need new lines, they need new infrastructure, and those are the costs that get passed down to regular consumers,” Whittaker pointed out.

The U.S. Census Bureau shows Michigan is home to about 1.4 million Black residents and 645,000 Latinos. The poll was conducted by the research firm HIT Strategies between Sept. 24 and Oct. 10, surveying more than 2,000 Black and Latino registered voters across seven battleground states. The poll also showed Michigan voters are concerned about environmental conditions in their communities, with 80% of Black and Latino respondents saying reducing air and water pollution should be a priority for political candidates.

Whittaker noted concerns ranged from environmental policy to the health and well-being of families.

“Black and Latino voters see climate in their power bills and in the air that their kids are breathing. So any candidate from any party should come to these communities with a real plan to lower energy costs and protect people’s health,” Whittaker emphasized.

Across the seven battleground states, 72% of Black and Latino respondents ranked the cost of living among their top three voting issues, followed by access to healthcare at 42%.

Publisher’s Notes: “Poll: Black, Latino voters in Michigan prioritize energy costs, pollution” was first published on Public News Service and was republished with permission.

Part of Michigan Latino News’ mission is to amplify the work of others in providing greater visibility and voice to the Hispanic, Latino community.

Cover Photo: Canva