Millions of Seniors, Minorities, Youth and Veterans Could be Turned Away at the Polls Under New Laws
Washington, DC -- A broad coalition of civil rights, social justice and faith-based organizations, and groups representing communities of color today declared a “state of emergency” on voting rights in the U.S. and said that millions of people could be disenfranchised by restrictive voter laws.
As National Voter Registration Day approaches on September 25th the coalition—which includes groups representing African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans—are calling on their communities to take a few simple steps to ensure that all those who are eligible have what they need to fully participate in our democracy by voting:
- Check your registration status
- Check the documentation needed to register and to vote
- Check the deadlines for registration and early/absentee voting
- Check your state voter laws
- Check your polling location and hours
The coalition also is highlighting a number of community-specific resources to assist with voter registration and information:
- Advancement Project – Protect Our Vote 2012
- NAACP – This is My Vote
- National Congress of American Indians – 2012 Native Vote – Every Vote Counts
- National Council of La Raza – Mobilize to Vote
- National Urban League – Occupy the Vote
- PICO Network – Let My People Vote
- AAJC – (materials available in Asian languages)
In addition, there are general resources available for voter information and registration:
- 1-866-MYVOTE1 (1-866-698-6831) – To register to vote
- 1-866-OURVOTE or www.866ourvote.org/state — For information on voting rights or to report problems with voting
Data compiled by a number of independent, non-partisan organizations indicate that minorities, senior citizens, veterans, youth, low-income people and previously convicted felons will bear the brunt of laws imposed over the past two years that cut back on voting days and times, impose rigid registration and identification requirements, and erroneously purge eligible voters from voter rolls.
Click here to read the full press release.
Contact: Pamela Springs
202-629-5757
