Voto Latino Speaks Out in Support of President Biden’s & VP Harris’ Call for Passage of Voting Rights Legislation
WASHINGTON – President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris today condemned Republicans’ efforts to disenfranchise minority voters and called for passage of voting rights legislation stalled in the Senate – the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Voto Latino President & CEO Maria Teresa Kumar issued the following statement in support of the President’s call and urged swift passage of voting rights legislation that would protect millions of Latino voters.
“Today, President Biden and Vice President Harris recognize that we can’t afford to continue waiting to pass meaningful voting rights legislation to protect millions of American voters from Republicans’ efforts to block them from the ballot box.
“Republicans’ effort towards disenfranchisement hoodwinks voters. There is not one American who won’t be affected but make no mistake, it disproportionately impacts Black and Latino communities. Up to 20 million Latino voters nationwide are currently impacted by voter suppression laws passed in 2021. Republican state legislatures’ recent efforts to purge voting lists, to close and significantly reduce the number of polling stations, and to create unnecessary and restrictive voting ID requirements are aimed at undermining Latino communities’ ability to elect candidates of their choice and to demand government action on the issues they care most about.
“It’s time to act. Congress must take swift action to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act as soon as possible. As we approach Martin Luther King Day weekend, Voto Latino urges members of Congress once again to preserve our democracy and restore faith in the electoral system with or without Republican support. Democrats must stand ready to move forward alone if Republicans continue to block their efforts. It’s time to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to cast their vote and participate in our democracy.
If you are interested in speaking with Maria Teresa, who attended the speech, about Republican efforts to suppress the vote and the voting rights legislation Congress is considering, we’d be happy to arrange an interview.
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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, it shepherds the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.