The Census Bureau reports an 18 percent jump in Hispanic voters nationwide since 2006.

"The Latino vote is especially important to the Democratic party because by a 40 percent margin Latino voters favor Democrat to Republican," Boone County Democratic director Mark Buhrmester said.

A Republican volunteer adds to the comment.

"The Latino population is going to continue to grow, it's very important that our party reach on (out) to Latinos," Henry Atkinson said.

Communication director for the Republican party Tina Hervey said the Missouri GOP is committed to sharing its message with everyone, but she also noted that Hispanics only make up 1.6 percent of the Missouri population. Census Bureau statistics show that Latinos make up two percent of Columbia's population. But, despite that small number, many political analysts say the Hispanic vote is key in this election.

One Hispanic student decided to have her vote count in Missouri, rather than her home state.

"Texas usually goes Republican and Missouri is a swing state, so I felt my vote would have more sway here," Hispanic student Vivian Esparza said.

With one more day to register voters and with the Hispanic population growing, experts say the parties are relying on swing state Latinos to swing the election in their favor.