Voto Latino Applauds U.S. House Passing the For the People Act of 2021

Bill would answer public’s call to strengthen election integrity, voter access and more

Washington, DC – The United States drew closer to strengthening voter access, election integrity and security, campaign finance, and ethics rules with passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2021, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday.

“Voting matters, and we celebrate the forward-looking House majority who voted to modernize and better secure our electoral system and help ensure equal access to voting booths in every jurisdiction,” said María Teresa Kumar, president and CEO of Voto Latino. “Meanwhile, Republicans cling to the past, introducing more than 250 bills in 43 states that would actually make it harder for Americans – especially the rising American majority who are disproportionately of color – to exercise their right to cast their ballot.

“The people have spoken – keep your hands off our ballot box – and the Congressional majority is listening. Now, we will watch for the Senate’s agreement, and for H.R. 1 to quickly move to President Biden for his signature into law.”

The For the People Act of 2021 expands automatic and same-day voter registration and voting access, both by mail and through early voting. It requires states to establish independent redistricting commissions to carry out congressional redistricting and set detailed election security provisions. Also, H.R. 1 expands the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, among other campaign finance requirements and tighten ethics rules in all chambers of government.

Last, the bill requires the President, the Vice President and others to disclose 10 years of tax returns – a guideline conspicuously absent in the past.

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Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.