Examining Methods for Identifying Latino Voters

Abstract

This research note assesses the effectiveness of two methods for enumerating Latino voters in Georgia: self identification and surname matching. Lists comparing the number of registrants who identify themselves as Latinos with the number of registrants who have Spanish surnames are compiled and cross-referenced using the 2004 statewide voter registration database. Approximately 68% of self-identified Hispanics have Spanish surnames. Conversely, of the registrants with Spanish surnames, only 40% identified themselves as Hispanic when registering to vote. Each of these approaches underestimates the number of Latinos who are registered to vote in Georgia. As an alternative, we suggest a third estimation method that utilizes both approaches.