National Voting Rights Organizations Unite to Empower Latino Voters to GOTV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2024
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National Voting Rights Organizations Unite to Empower Latino Voters to GOTV
“Latino Week of Action” Kicked-Off in NYC
New York, NY – Early voting for primary elections in New York started this past Saturday, June 15 and will last until Sunday, June 23. Election Day for the primaries will be Tuesday, June 25. Voters in New York will choose their parties’ candidates for the U.S. Senate, the House of Representatives, the State Legislature, various judicial and party offices. The New York Latino Civic Engagement Coalition has partnered with NYC Votes to motivate Latinos to get out to vote (GOTV) and to inform them about their options to vote and their voting rights through a Latino Week of Action.
The New York Latino Civic Engagement Coalition is comprised of national voting rights organizations Dominicanos USA, Hispanic Federation, LatinoJustice PRLDEF and The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund (NALEO). The coalition's Latino Week of Action kicked-off with a phone bank session on Saturday, June 15 informing voters about their options to vote, their voting rights and the process of casting a ballot.
Phone banking and canvassing volunteers will work throughout June 23 targeting highly populated Latino areas reminding them about the importance of making their voices heard at the ballot box and what they should do if they encounter any barriers while trying to cast their vote. Week of Action activities also include text banking, social media live sessions, and collaboration with local nonprofit organizations.
“It's more important now than ever that our communities know their rights, especially around language access,” said Isabelle Muhlbauer National Advocacy Manager of Voting Rights at LatinoJustice PRLDF. “For five decades LatinoJustice has defended, protected and expanded access to the ballot for Latino voters and beyond an we vow to continue this work, especially during this year's critical elections. We are proud to once again join our coalition partner to make a strong push in a week of action because we know ‘Cada Voto Cuenta’.”
"The most effective way to have your voice heard is by voting,” said Eddie Cuesta, Executive Director, Dominicanos USA. “Voting is how we hold elected officials accountable for their decisions on our behalf. Latinos are the fastest-growing demographic in the United States, and with that growth comes the power to impact the decisions being made at all levels of government. Please exercise your power and vote in the June 25 primary election. Your vote is your voice—let it be heard!"
“Hispanic Federation is proud to join our sister organizations during the Latino Week of Action to help amplify election outreach in our neighborhoods,” said Emely Paez, Senior Director of Government and Community Partnerships at Hispanic Federation. It’s essential that voters understand the impact of all elections on local matters, and the best way to do that is to work with local community-based organizations who know our community. That is why our coalition is taking a culturally competent approach to the elections: providing verified information, registering voters, and helping mobilize our community during the primaries.”
“Latino voters need timely and accurate information about the elections process, this is why we have joined partner organizations to reach as many voters as possible,” said Orlando Ovalles, Northeast Director of Civic Engagement at NALEO Educational Fund. “Our toll free, bilingual hotline, 1-888-839-8682, is available as a resource for voters to get answers to their questions about the elections or to resolve any issues they encounter while attempting to cast a ballot.”
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About Dominicanos USA
Dominicanos USA (DUSA) is a 501(c) (3) non-partisan organization founded in 2013, that is committed to the civic, social, and economic integration of Dominican-Americans into the fabric of American society. DUSA strives to ensure that every U.S. citizen is able to freely exercise their civic rights, realize their full potential, and capitalize on all opportunities the United States has to offer. Our contribution to making this vision a reality begins with our work in the Dominican-American community.
About Hispanic Federation:
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 40 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
About LatinoJustice
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For over 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org
About NALEO Educational Fund
NALEO Educational Fund is the nation’s leading non-partisan, non-profit organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.