Young Haitian Americans in Columbus share diverse views at polls

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As early voting gathered momentum ahead of Election Day, young Haitian Americans in Columbus headed to the polls with varied political perspectives, each shaped by personal experiences and reflections on what’s at stake in the 2024 election. Outside the Franklin County Board of Elections, a diverse group of young voters shared their thoughts on issues ranging from economic policy to immigration and social equity.

For many Haitian American voters here, the Democratic Party’s policies resonate most, particularly on matters they feel are crucial to their futures. 

P.L, a 26-year-old who supports Kamala Harris and chose to stay anonymous, cited student loan forgiveness and affordable housing as pivotal to his decision.

“Kamala’s policies feel geared toward my age group and our needs,” he said. Louis voiced skepticism about young Donald J. Trump supporters, hinting that they might be swayed by family influence or a sense of rebellion rather than political conviction.

“Seeing someone address the issues affecting us directly, like loan forgiveness, makes a difference,” he said. Louis, who did not vote in 2020, acknowledged that progress under the Biden administration has been slow, yet still appreciated recent moves like the cancellation of $1 billion in student debt. 

“At least there’s movement,” he added.

On the other side of the spectrum, Nathanial Lafond stood out as an openly conservative young Haitian American who expressed her loyalty to the Republican Party. Lafond, who plans to vote for Trump, said she values his economic policies and business experience.

“I think Trump’s experience is what we need right now to bring stability to the country,” Lafond explained, adding that she hopes his leadership can steer the nation back on course.

Yet, not all young Haitian Americans in Columbus feel compelled to vote. 

J.B., 25,  a Columbus resident who came to the polls with a friend and asked to remain anonymous for fear of backlash, said she planned to abstain this year, citing discontent with both major candidates. 

“Both of them are trash,” she remarked bluntly, reflecting a sense of disillusionment with the political system. The electoral process, she argued, is “broken,” leaving her skeptical that her vote would make any real impact.

The range of opinions among these Haitian American voters highlights the nuanced engagement within their community, with concerns that span economic opportunity, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration policy. 

While many young Haitian Americans identify with the Democratic platform, a growing subset, particularly those with conservative leanings, are drawn to the Republican stance on economic issues and traditional values.

The Haitian American electorate comprises roughly 753,232, according to an analysis of Census Bureau data conducted by The Haitian Times and Dr. Gilbert Saint-Jean, director of policy and research at Haiti Renewal Alliance, a development-focused organization based in Washington, D.C. The figure is about two-thirds of the 1,138,855 people of Haitian ancestry estimated to be living in the U.S. overall, with both numbers steadily increasing since the 2000s.

To date, no definitive studies are available to show the voting patterns of Haitians in the U.S. over prior decades on a large scale. However, political scientists say, some people breaking away from an established bloc is not uncommon – for immigrants or any group thought to be a political monolith. 

The voices of young Haitian Americans in Columbus reflect a broader trend within the Haitian diaspora: an ongoing struggle to balance personal values with political identities. Their choices at the ballot box, or their decision to sit out, speak to the complexities of a community navigating its place within American society.

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Follow our live blog on Election Day for updates on key races affecting the Haitian-American community across the U.S. and insights from polling stations in Haitian-American neighborhoods.

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Young Haitian Americans in Columbus share diverse views at polls was first posted on November 4, 2024 at 3:09 pm.