Jamaicans on the Ballot Amid South Florida Election Fever

With just days to go until the U.S. presidential election, South Florida is abuzz with campaign fervor, especially in Lauderhill, or “Jamaica Hill,” known for its large Jamaican population. The election on November 5 pits Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, whose father is Jamaican, against former President Donald Trump, a Republican. As the race tightens, the Jamaican-American community in South Florida is making its presence felt, with prominent Jamaicans running for local office and actively supporting Harris in her historic bid to become the first woman president of the United States.
South Florida’s Jamaican Candidates for Local Office
In Lauderhill and surrounding areas, Jamaican-American candidates are running for key positions in local government:
- Denise Grant: A prominent figure in Lauderhill, Grant is campaigning to become the city’s mayor. Known for her community involvement, she aims to bring her experience and dedication to the top office in “Jamaica Hill.”
- Mark A. Douglas: Running for mayor in nearby Sunrise, Douglas hopes to represent the interests of the diverse community, bringing a Jamaican perspective to the local government.
- John “John T” Hodgson and Richard Campbell: Both are candidates for city commissioner in Lauderhill. Hodgson, a well-known broadcaster, and Campbell are engaging the community, appealing to Jamaican-Americans and other Caribbean residents who are drawn to their vision for the area.
Rallying Support for Kamala Harris
One of Harris’s notable supporters is Marlon Hill, a Jamaican attorney in South Florida who plays a central role in the group RallyForKamala. Hill and his team are working tirelessly to increase voter turnout in Harris’s favor, especially among Caribbean-American families. According to Hill, “The campaign continues to build positive energy and a broader coalition of Americans across a number of key demographics. This will bode well in the final days.”
RallyForKamala has focused on swing states where polls show a close race between Harris and Trump. These battleground states — including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas — have a strong Caribbean presence, and Hill believes that engaging first-time voters and Caribbean-American families could tip the scales. “In an election on close margins, we believe these additions will help Kamala Harris and [vice-presidential running mate] Tim Walz to be the first at the Electoral College tape,” he said.
South Florida’s Diverse Influence on the Election
South Florida’s Caribbean community, especially in cities like Miramar and Lauderhill, could be pivotal in the election outcome. Winston Barnes, a commissioner in Miramar, underscores the importance of Caribbean-American voters in this election. Barnes notes that the area is not only home to many Jamaicans but also to large Haitian-American and Puerto Rican communities. He believes their votes could make a significant difference, especially if these groups vote in their best interests. Barnes hopes this diverse support will favor Harris, even though she has not campaigned extensively in South Florida.
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Why the Caribbean Vote Matters
The Caribbean-American vote holds particular weight in this election, especially in key swing states. With the U.S. presidential election determined by electoral votes rather than the national popular vote, every state matters. In 2016, Trump lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton but won the presidency through the Electoral College. This time, Harris’s supporters are leveraging the influence of Caribbean-Americans to secure the needed 270 electoral votes.
RallyForKamala’s approach highlights the power of this voting bloc. By focusing on Caribbean-American families, first-time voters, and established voters in battleground states, they aim to ensure high turnout in favor of Harris. According to Hill, “Voters of Caribbean descent hold some influence in states like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.” As polling shows a tight race, the addition of these voters could be decisive.
Community Hopes for Representation and Change
The energy in South Florida is palpable as the Jamaican-American community rallies around both local candidates and Kamala Harris. Many Jamaicans view Harris as a symbol of representation and hope for change, especially given her Jamaican heritage. Lauderhill’s streets are filled with campaign banners and enthusiastic volunteers, underscoring the community’s commitment to making their voices heard.
As election day approaches, South Florida’s Jamaican-American community stands ready to influence not only local governance but also the future leadership of the United States. With prominent figures like Marlon Hill and Winston Barnes leading the charge and Jamaican-American candidates running for office, the region is poised to make a significant impact.
In the coming days, the focus remains on voter turnout, with community leaders emphasizing the importance of voting to bring about meaningful representation and progress. South Florida’s Jamaican-Americans are ready to play their part in what could be a historic election.