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LatinoJustice Applauds Landmark Voting Rights Reforms in New York

Location
New York, NY

Juan Cartagena, President & General Counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF applauds Governor Cuomo’s approval of landmark voting rights reforms in New York State and below is his statement.
 
“Finally, New York State will have sane, reasonable, accessible voter policies under a series of laws approved, and constitutional amendments proposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. For far too many years New York, the State that can naturally tout its diversity, inclusivity and liberal policies for the country to follow, has failed to expand the franchise. Until today.

Early voting and pre-registration for minors, the far plurality of whom are Latinas and Latinos, is now the law in the Empire State. Looking forward Governor Cuomo is asking for approval to achieve no-excuse absentee voting by mail, same-day registration, and a designation that Election Day be treated as a holiday (as recognized in Puerto Rico and elsewhere) to ensure that workers can have the time to enjoy the fruits of participatory democracy.
 
We understand, and appreciate, that these reforms are possible because of new and exciting State Senate and State Assembly leadership and priorities. But we also understand that electoral reforms are only as good as our community-based efforts make them a reality. The Governor’s chamber and the legislature have finally done their part in 2019. We will now make it real. And with new inclusivity comes volatility, agency, and a recognition of the decades that have elapsed without these reforms. It is incumbent upon us, to make these reforms worthwhile. That is what we plan to do.”