Florida is a battleground state with young, Latino voters making up an even larger share of Florida's registered voters than in past years.
FIU hosted a dialogue Thursday on the importance of the young Hispanic voting block.
"It's important for the candidates to understand that Latino issues are American issues," said Eva Longoria, actress and founder of Latino Victory Project.
In conjunction with the Democratic and Republican presidential debates in Miami, FIU kicked off a powerful panel on young Hispanic voters, focusing on climate change and economic opportunity.
"We're here because we understand that the Hispanic vote is crucial in getting good leaders elected, that understand climate, that understand the importance of alternative energy," said Salome Garcia, FIU student.
Congressman Joaquin Castro, Eva Longoria and NextGen Climate President Tom Steyer were among the group of speakers. Longoria's Latino Victory Project aims to make sure Latinos have true representation in the political process.
"We are the fastest growing demographic in the United States but demography is not destiny. So I think a big myth is that us Latinos think we're the largest minority. If we don't vote, that means nothing," she expressed.
One of the big issues for the majority of Hispanic youth is climate change.
"Latinos score the highest as caring about environment, energy and climate," Steyer explained.
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No one feels the affects of climate change more than in South Florida. The panelists stressed the need for effective policies when it comes to clean air and water.
"We live in the most endangered city towards sea level rise and I think this issue needs to be taken on directly in this election cycle," said Emilio Fonseca, FIU student.
The youth at the panel want our presidential candidates to remember Latinos during Decision 2016.
"To not listen to our vote and to just brush us off to the side, I think is a huge mistake for any politician that wants to win in the general election," Fonseca said.
The panelists hope Thursday's discussion will not only show the power of young Latino voices but make these issues heard at the polls during this election cycle.
