Harris Targets Latino Voters on WhatsApp

As the Democratic National Convention commences in Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign has introduced a bilingual WhatsApp channel aimed at Latino voters. This initiative, touted as a first in presidential elections, seeks to provide followers with behind-the-scenes insights and updates on the campaign's efforts to support Latino families. Julie Chavez Rodríguez, the campaign manager, emphasized the channel's role in fostering community engagement and delivering culturally relevant content. The decision to utilize WhatsApp is strategic, given the platform's popularity among Hispanic adults, with 54% reported usage according to a Pew Research Center survey. However, the app has also been identified as a significant conduit for misinformation, particularly affecting Latino communities who often rely on it for news and communication. A 2021 Nielsen report highlighted the vulnerability of these groups to misinformation, especially in bilingual contexts. Campaign officials view the WhatsApp channel as a vital tool to counteract misinformation targeting Latino voters, particularly in key battleground states. The channel will be managed by members of the "Latinos con Harris-Walz" organizing program, who will produce daily content, including voice memos and videos featuring campaign surrogates. This approach aims to engage younger, newly registered Latino voters, a demographic that could play a crucial role in the upcoming election. As misinformation continues to pose challenges in the digital landscape, the Harris campaign's innovative use of WhatsApp reflects a broader effort to connect with and mobilize Latino voters, who are increasingly influential in shaping electoral outcomes.