By: Bridget Shanahan

From politics to bakeries, our local Hispanic population is growing and so is their voice in the our community and the country.

The number of Hispanics in the Gem State grew by 43% in the past seven years.

There are two new Hispanic businesses in this complex on Lake and G Streets in Idaho Falls.

They've opened in the past couple weeks.

A new clothing store and bakery, but even businesses that have been here for years are noticing the growth.

Maria Garcia and her husband have been running this Mexican bakery for five years and for the last two their customer base has seen a boost.

"I am noticing there are a lot of new people in Idaho Falls.  We are on our way," Garcia said through a translator.

"It gives us opportunity.  I think now there's a lot of different culture, and I think its important to have people speak differently, and I think it's going to continue to grow," Customer Ivan Delgado said.

Customers file in for a bite to eat, and families pack trays full of homemade pastries.

Across town, two new businesses pop up within weeks of each other.

Inside Rated G Lifestyles, clothing and jewelry geared toward Hispanics adorn the walls and counter tops.

Manager Alfonso Mejia says he grew up in Idaho and is encouraged by the increasing diversity.

"I grew up around here, and I remember going to school and stuff, and I didn't see as many Hispanic people as I do now a days," Mejia said.

It is an election year and all of these businesses and growth means our presidential candidates need to be more concerned with Hispanic issues this fall and so will our local lawmakers.

Concerns about the economy, health care, the war and anti-immigration policies have some Hispanic advocacy groups predicting about 10 million Hispanics will show up at the polls this November.