FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2021
Contact: Kevin Hirano, media@apiavote.org, (202) 223-9170
APIAVOTE ISSUES STATEMENT ON BLOCKAGE OF THE FOR THE PEOPLE ACT
WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, June 22nd, the United States Senate voted against starting debate on The For the People Act, the first step in the consideration of a bill. Executive Director Christine Chen of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) issues the following statement:
“APIAVote is disappointed in the Senate’s refusal to consider The For the People Act. When state legislatures across the country are passing legislation to curb the freedom to vote, the passage of The For the People Act is all the more important for our democracy,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote).
“The ability to vote early, whether in-person or by-mail, is crucial for AAPI communities. In 2020, AAPI voters voted early more than any other racial group in the country. The For the People Act ensures every eligible voter has this option, as well as other protections important to AAPI communities including the prevention of partisan and racial gerrymandering, additional opportunities to access language assistance through online voter registration, helping ensure every AAPI’s vote is counted safely and securely, and that dark money does not hold more influence than our communities’ voices.
“The For the People Act will not only protect voter’s rights, but expand and strengthen our democracy. Americans across the political spectrum overwhelmingly support these measures to protect our freedom to vote – 8 in 10 Americans support The For the People Act. With our democracy at stake, we encourage members of the Senate to reconsider their position on this popular and important voting rights legislation. We also urge states and local governments to take action, and for the American people to stand up for one of the most important rights we have as Americans: the right to vote.”
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About APIAVote: Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) is a national nonpartisan organization that works with partners to mobilize Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in electoral and civic participation. APIAVote envisions a world that is inclusive, fair, and collaborative, and where AAPI communities are self-determined, empowered, and engaged. See our website for more information at https://www.apiavote.org/
