FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2021
Contact: Kevin Hirano, media@apiavote.org, (202) 223-9170
APIAVOTE ISSUES STATEMENT ON BRNOVICH v. DNC DECISION
WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, July 1, in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee, the Supreme Court upheld two electoral policies in Arizona that suppress voting rights for historically-marginalized communities. Executive Director Christine Chen of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) issues the following statement:
“We are dismayed by the Supreme Court’s decision in Brnovich v. DNC. The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold anti-democratic, discriminatory voting laws in the state of Arizona are an affront to the ideals of American democracy. Laws, such as these, not only attempt to solve problems that do not exist, but intentionally target voters from historically-marginalized communities, making it harder for them to vote,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote.
“The Voting Rights Act of 1965 sought to protect and prevent discrimination at the polls like this, and did for many decades. These protections were weakened in 2013 in the Shelby v. Holder decision, and the Brnovich v. DNC decision has further mangled the Voting Rights of 1965 beyond recognition.
We know that, as we speak, voters who are AAPI, Black, Latino, Native American, and voters with disabilities, in particular, face barriers to making their voices heard at the polls.. The need to pass comprehensive voting rights legislation at the federal level has never been more urgent. We call on Congress to pass the For the People Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act right now in order to protect and expand democracy, and ensure that those who have historically been excluded from the civic process have their voices heard. There is no more time to wait.”
###
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/
