Poder Latinx Kicks Off New Push to Protect Our Democracy at the State and Federal Level
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 14, 2022
CONTACT:
Fernanda Durand | (214) 402-0186 | fernanda@communicationsshop.us
Poder Latinx Kicks Off New Push to Protect Our Democracy at the State and Federal Level
PHOENIX - As a new legislative session kicks off in the state’s capital, Poder Latinx vows to continue to work at the state and federal level to protect voting access and block all attempts by state and federal legislators who continue subverting the will of the people by not passing voter protection legislation.
"The fallout of poor decision-making at the state level can be seen in the Latinx community, where voters face constant attacks on immigration, voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ youth, and more. In 2022, Poder Latinx will organize and mobilize Latinx Arizonians and will expand the Latinx electorate, inform our voters on the issues that matter to them, and ensure that our voices are heard in the 2022 midterms," said Josue Andonaegui, Arizona state director for Poder Latinx. "Those at the state level and the federal level who continue to vote against protecting our communities and perpetuating discriminatory voting laws will hear from us. We will continue to push our state and federal officials to listen to the Latinx community and pass critical legislation that will positively impact our community rather than hinder democracy by silencing our voices."
Arizona has a history of systematic and racist attempts at voter suppression. This week, it was revealed that following the 2020 U.S. election, Trump allies in Arizona sent forged documents to the National Archives that falsely declared Trump as a winner. Although the fake documents didn't impact the election's outcome, it was a clear attempt to sabotage U.S. citizens from practicing their democratic rights.
In 2021, the state senate passed two bills that reduce the timeframe to correct missing signatures on mail-in ballots and limit the distribution of mail ballots for early voting, leading to an onslaught of voter suppression across the state of Arizona, especially for communities of color. As the new session unfolds, Poder Latinx is ready to fight to reverse these discriminatory laws and prevent future laws from getting passed in the state.
"At the federal level, Poder Latinx will also push our U.S. senators and representatives to pass federal legislation to protect voters’ rights across the United States from the reckless acts of Republican state officeholders. It is time to get to work and ensure that the federal government passes the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act now and for Arizona legislators to do their job," said Yadira Sanchez, co-executive director for Poder Latinx.