On this MLK Day, Poder Latinx Continues Calls for Voting Rights Bills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2022
CONTACT:
Fernanda Durand | 214-402-0186 fernanda@communicationsshop.us
On this MLK Day, Poder Latinx Continues Calls for Voting Rights Bills
WASHINGTON - Today, as we honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy as one of our nation's most influential civil rights leaders, Poder Latinx recommits to the work he championed at a time when voting rights for marginalized communities is again in peril. The following statement is attributed to Yadira Sanchez, co-executive director of Poder Latinx.
“Dr. King tirelessly fought against discrimination and injustice and sought to build a society where all Americans could exercise their constitutional rights. He worked to achieve one of the most important pillars of democracy - the right to vote. His hard work paid off in passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Today, we commemorate Dr. King's legacy and the hard work of past civil rights leaders. As we continue Dr. King's fight for voting rights and justice for our communities, we urge Congress to pass federal voting rights legislation.
Martin Luther King Day is not only a federal holiday. It's a day of action and service, a reminder to continue to fight for our right to vote. For generations, the Latinx and other voters of color have fought and bled for our voting rights. As state legislative sessions have begun this year, many across the country are already poised to introduce more bills that will nullify past voter efforts. We cannot allow suppressive voting rights laws across 19 states to reverse the decades' hard work of civil rights activists. We must push the U.S. Senate to pass voting rights legislation that will safeguard our democracy and our voting rights and eliminate suppressive voter tactics. This year, we have a distinct opportunity to make history and help the Latinx community and other communities of color that have been impacted by these egregious bills. As a country, we need to focus on how to get more voters to the polls - not how to disenfranchise already marginalized communities. Tell your senators that we need the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act this year."