Low voter turnout amongst Latinos in 2008 Presidential election

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A study says voter turnout rates among Hispanics were extremely low in 2008.

24 million Hispanics are eligible to vote this year.  And experts say their votes will play a crucial role, especially in swing states, in determining who will be the next president.

Now both President Barack Obama and Republican Candidate Mitt Romney are making fresh appeals to Latino voters.

But experts are predicting the new voter I-D rule will deter as many as 10 million

Hispanics from heading to the polls in November.

Recently states like Texas Tennessee and Georgia passed laws that require voters to present additional citizenship documents.

Many Hispanic voters in Springfield told 22News no matter what people shouldn't shy away from voting.

They say the right to vote is an inalienable right.

“She absolutely agrees that it is not only a duty, but it's a right. It's critical that people exercise that right to vote,” said Zaida Cucusa Bermudez

“It's not for us now. It's for the future for our family, for our kids who are growing up,” said Nelson Zayas.

They said they are confident their friends and neighbors feel the same way about voting.

The presidential election will be held on Tuesday November 6th.