The roughly 27 million eligible Hispanic voters look set to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the 2016 US presidential election.

Republican nominee Donald Trump's immigration policies have caused concern within the demographic and the Clinton campaign have been keen to mop up the votes where possible.

So far, the African-American vote has failed to match the turnout of the 2008 and 2012 elections meaning the Hispanic vote has emerged as a key voting block in this race.

Fear of Donald Trump Helps Democrats Mobilize Hispanics https://t.co/LTMhbnj35E

— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 7, 2016

In the crucial swing-state of Florida, almost 1 million of the 6.2 million early votes have been cast by Hispanics, which is a 75% increase from 2012 according to the New York Times.

These voters are more likely to favour Clinton. A Washington Post/Univision poll published last week gave the Democratic candidate a 67% to 19% lead over Republican Donald Trump among Hispanics. 

Latino voting surge rattles @realDonaldTrump campaign https://t.co/KV7W6kfZe4 | AP Photo pic.twitter.com/yEZ3qgrfsm

— POLITICO (@politico) November 7, 2016

Earlier in the campaign Trump had labelled Mexican immigrants as criminals and rapists. He also plans to build a wall between the US and Mexico if elected.

This harsh stance could come back to haunt him in key states such as Nevada, Florida and Arizona which he will need to take if he is to get to the required 270 electoral college votes.