Indianapolis, October 22, 2024 — The Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus (INLDC) strongly condemns the recent move by Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales and Attorney General Todd Rokita to verify the citizenship of over 550,000 registered Indiana voters—a move that disproportionately targets Latino voters and naturalized citizens in Indiana.
“This action is a thinly veiled attempt to suppress the voices of Latino and minority communities, using fear and confusion to disenfranchise eligible voters,” said Karla Lopez-Owens, President of the INLDC. “These efforts are part of a broader trend to undermine the democratic process and create unnecessary barriers for marginalized communities, especially naturalized citizens who have every right to vote.”
The request seeks to have the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) verify the citizenship of 12% of Indiana’s voters, just weeks before Election Day. Such an effort, under the guise of election integrity, risks sowing confusion and fear among voters who are lawfully registered, particularly targeting Latino communities that have historically faced challenges in accessing the ballot.
“The Latino community in Indiana plays a crucial role in our state’s economy and democracy, and any attempt to silence our voices is an attack on democracy itself,” said Leslie Salazar, Vice President of INLDC. “We won’t allow fearmongering and baseless claims to prevent us from participating in the political process.”
As part of its mission to empower Latino voters and support democratic participation, INLDC is providing resources to help voters understand their rights:
Know Your Rights: As a naturalized citizen, you have the same voting rights as any other U.S. citizen. You must present a valid photo ID, and if you are in line when the polls close, you have the right to vote.
Support Available: Voters facing issues at the polls can call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)or NALEO’s bilingual hotline at 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682) for immediate assistance.
“Latino voters are a growing force in Indiana, and their voices will not be silenced,” added Lopez-Owens. “INLDC stands firmly with the Latino community and all marginalized groups to ensure every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot without fear or intimidation.”
INLDC urges all eligible voters to stand strong and exercise their right to vote. The organization encourages voters to check their polling locations, understand their rights, and report any incidents of voter intimidation or suppression. Fore more information, visit /www.inlatinodems.com/vota-indiana.
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About the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus:
Founded in 2010, the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus was established to address the shifting demographics and to ensure that Latino Hoosiers are actively engaged in the political process. The INLDC is committed to legislative advocacy, civic education, community engagement, and sustainable growth statewide, striving to increase political representation through our Political Action Committee and address issues impacting Latino communities in Indiana.
For more information about the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus, please visit www.INLatinoDems.com. To get information about upcoming general meetings, please email info@inlatinodems.com to get added to our listserv.
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