Landmark Decision for Latino Voters
Washington, DC – In a historic moment for Latino voters in Arizona, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has achieved a groundbreaking court ruling that deals a decisive blow against voter suppression.
The court’s decision addresses the legality of two Arizona laws, H.B. 2243 and H.B. 2492, which aimed to amend provisions regulating voter registration under Title 16 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
These laws, effective since January 1, 2023, required heightened proof of citizenship and residency and mandated severe consequences if registrants couldn’t provide such proof.
LULAC’s Battle for Voting Rights
Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President said,
“LULAC is winning the battle for voting rights, and this historic decision in Arizona is only the first. Let this be the clarion call for justice in the federal courts of Texas, Iowa, Florida, and anywhere else where election fixers try to deny us our constitutional rights!”
A Monumental Victory for Democracy
LULAC’s unwavering commitment to fighting voter suppression and ensuring fair elections is bearing fruit. This monumental victory underscores the organization’s dedication to defending the democratic rights of Latinos across the United States. The court’s decision declared unlawful multiple keys Determine Proof of Citizenship (DPOC) and Determine Proof of Residency (DPOR) requirements:
Striking Down Suppressive Requirements
- DPOC requirement to vote in presidential elections,
- DPOC requirement to vote by mail,
- DPOR requirement for federal form applicants,
- DPOR for state form applicants is significantly scaled back; in addition to permitting proof sufficient for voter I.D. at polls, voters can provide any tribal I.D. and, in some circumstances, can use a written affidavit attesting residence,
- Monthly database checks/registration purges are prohibited within 90 days of an election,
- Arizona must continue to abide by the LULAC v. Reagan consent decree and register state form applicants without DPOC to a federal-only list,
- Denying registration solely on state form applicants omitting the citizenship checkmark box is prohibited.
Upholding the Fundamental Right to Vote
In a landmark decision, this ruling reinforces the fundamental right to vote for all eligible citizens. Furthermore, it firmly conveys a powerful message, declaring resolutely that it will not tolerate any attempts to suppress voters’ voices.
Celebrating a Milestone for Arizona
“This is a great day in Arizona where the cry for freedom from fear of having our votes denied has been heard loud and clear,”
said Lydia Guzman, Arizona LULAC State Director.
“We celebrate that in our state, where Latinos are an integral part of the history of Arizona, our views and votes will have a decisive impact in 2024. Not just for what happens in our state, but America.”
Mobilizing for the Future
“Let no one doubt the power of LULAC in 2024. Our community is witnessing one of the most critical decision points in our history, and every one of our votes is vital,”
says Ray Mancera, LULAC National Vice President for the Southwest.
“We are in action and determined to fight for the right to every lawful vote to which we are entitled. This is our country, too, earned through blood, sweat, and tears.”
LULAC’s Call to Action
About LULAC, Garcia states,
“LULAC calls upon all Latinos across the country and Puerto Rico to rise up, register, mobilize, and vote. The battle for voting rights is far from over, but with determination, unity, and the strength of the law on our side, we will prevail.”
“Together, we can ensure that every voice is heard, and every vote counts as we approach the critical 2024 election. LULAC stands at the forefront of this fight, ready to defend the rights of Latino voters across the nation, and this historic Arizona ruling is just the beginning.”
