A new poll shows Democratic voters in Nevada are virtually split between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders just three days before the state's caucus.

The Race for Nevada

Although Clinton has maintained a strong lead over Sanders in national polls, a recent CNN/ORC Poll shows the 2016 contenders are running neck and neck in the Silver State, with Clinton at 48 percent and Sanders trailing by one point at 47 percent.

The poll, conducted from Feb. 10 to Feb. 15, shows voters were also divided when asked which candidate would better handle the economy: 48 percent selected Clinton while 47 percent choose Sanders. In addition, 50 percent of likely caucus goers said the former secretary of state best represents Democratic values, compared to Sanders, who earned 49 percent.

The former first lady, however, has managed to win over a majority of likely female voters in the Nevada, along with their trust on important issues like foreign policy, race relations, immigration and healthcare.

On the other hand, Sanders has a stronghold on voters under age 55. More people -- 50 percent -- also said he would do more to help the middle class; 47 percent picked Clinton.

Turnout

According to the poll, new voters are more likely to support Sanders, while previous caucus-goers are backing Clinton. This means Sanders will have a better chance of winning if he can mobilize new voters to the polls on Saturday. However, newer voters are not as sure they will actually participate in the caucus.

The Power of Latino Voters

Polling experts also point out the self-described "Democratic Socialist" can increase his likelihood of winning if young Latino voters participate in the caucus.

According to Antonio Gonzalez, the president of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, there is a generational divide between Hispanic voters in the heavily-Latino populated state. Many millennial Latino voters are flocking to Sanders, while their parents and older people support Clinton.

"The leadership that is older is all Clinton, but the younger Latinos, they're with Sanders," said Gonzalez, whose organization has been working in Nevada, reports The Los Angeles Times.

This division will have a significant impact in determining the winner since "Young Latinos are the largest potential block of Latino voters," said Gonzalez in an email to Latin Post.

To win the state, both Clinton and Sanders have made increased their outreach efforts to appeal to young Latinos in Nevada, speaking at high schools and colleges. They have also secured major endorsements from high profile immigrant activists, including DREAMers, who have a strong influence on young Latinos.

Gonzalez added that it's important for Sanders and Clinton to reach out to Latinos in Nevada in whole since "Latinos will comprise about 15% of all Caucus participants and as much as 30% of the Democrats."

"Elections matter and the picking a Candidate of their choice is an important way for Latinos to pursue their values and interests as Americans. We've seen alot of anti-immigrant rhetoric in this election season so voting in the primaries is one way for Latinos to make their voice heard on the issue of immigration reform," he said.

*This article has been updated to include direct quotes from Antonio Gonzalez, the president of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.*

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