(Springfield, MO) -- The race between presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain is shaping up to be a tight one.

And as Missouri's Latino population increases, political analysts say it's Latinos that are becoming an important demographic for both candidates.

Latinos are still a small percentage of the voting population, but experts they may be all a candidate needs to win.

"Latinos are especially important for both parties because they are a crucial swing vote in a lot of states. It's a chance for republicans to go through their talking points and discuss the importance of their policies," said Brian Calfano, assistant professor of political science at Missouri State University.

Between 2000 and 2006, the Latino population grew 38.5-percent in Missouri, but two years ago the Latino vote was only 1.5-percent of the statewide population.

"I think on some level Barack Obama and his campaign are wondering how did we get this kind of luck with support. They would want to do everything they possible can to not give Latinos a reason to look to John McCain. From the republican stand point, because Latinos are the fastest growing minority group in the United States and will be the largest minority group in the United States in the next several years, it's essential for the republicans to do what they can to build bridges to Latinos," said Calfano.

For local Latinos, that means talking about the issues important to them.

"I think they need to make a positive contact and let them know exactly what they are going to do to help them and what their values are because a lot of it is value driven," said Juan Meraz, diversity outreach and recruitment coordinator for the Office of the Provost at Missouri State University.

Many in the Latino community are focused on health care, education, energy and the most important, immigration.

"Its just like the young vote. The Latino vote is growing in numbers and in strength. Now, we have more representation in senate and congress, even though it's not representative of our community. We're trying to get that representation in and getting the kids engaged will get in the process," said Meraz.

Meraz says Latinos are aware of the importance of voting and aren't afraid to make their voices heard.

"Latinos are here to stay in terms of being the electoral force and they will only continue to grow in their political influence and quite frankly as their political and culture influences increases in the country," said Calfano.

On a national level, political experts say the Latino vote is about 15 percent of the total population and nine percent of registered voters.

A recent poll by the Pew Hispanic Center shows McCain's Latino support at 24-percent, while Obama's Latino support is at 65-percent.