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Border & Immigration

New Pew Study Explores Link Between Religion And Politics In Latinos' Lives

Pew Research Center
Pew Finds Most Latinos Support Same-Sex Marriage
More than half of the country’s Latinos favor allowing same-sex marriage, according to a recent poll by the Pew Hispanic Center.

A new Pew Research Center study explores the changing landscape of religion in Latinos' lives.

The Latino community traditionally has been more conservative on the issue of same-sex marriage. But that’s changing for most Latinos, even Catholics. Evangelicals remain opposed to same-sex marriage.

According to the study this marks a dramatic shift in public perception in just six years.

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Pew’s Luis Lugo says Latinos are looking at many issues when making their voting decisions.

"When we ask Latinos what are the extremely important issues for you in this campaign, this is not an issue that shows up," Lugo said. "It is issues like education, jobs, health care, those are the issues that get the most attention."

A large majority of Latino Catholics support President Obama. They make up 57 percent of Latino registered voters.

Half of Latino evangelicals prefer the president. Almost 40 percent favor Republican challenger Mitt Romney. Evangelicals account for 16 percent of the Latino electorate.

Updated 10/18/12 at 7:38 p.m.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.