Press Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Hispanic Federation will continue to push back on broader voting rights attack such as redistricting and additional attempts to curtail mail-in ballots
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Supreme Court upheld a law in Mississippi that allows mail-in ballots to be postmarked and received within five business days of Election Day. Below is a statement from Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, about the ruling.
“This ruling is a victory for voters in Mississippi and the nation as a whole. Mail-in ballots ensure that everyone has the opportunity to cast their ballot regardless of their work hours, childcare, mobility, or zip code. Voting by mail is both legally protected and has proven to be a reliable method for voting in our elections. The mail in ballot is an integral part of our electoral process and attempts to limit or curtail the vote only serve to undermine our Democracy.
While we celebrate this ruling, we cannot allow this moment to obscure the broader, coordinated assault on voting rights being waged against the American people during this critical midterm election year.
The Trump Administration has made it clear that it intends to dilute access to the ballot at every turn. It is notable that recently the Postmaster General announced that mail-in ballots would be restricted for certain states, a directive that is only on pause because of a temporary court ruling. In addition, just weeks ago, the Court’s devastating ruling in Louisiana v. Callais gutted core voting protections, part of a broader redistricting effort that has diminished the political power of Latino, Black, and other communities of color.
When mail-in voting is restricted, it isn’t the people with flexible jobs and polling places around the corner who suffer, it’s working families. Whether you are a mother without childcare, a worker on a double shift, or an elderly voter with limited transportation options, your vote matters, and we must protect your right to vote. This is particularly true for Latino and Black communities who have long faced fewer polling locations, longer lines, and more barriers to the ballot box.
We applaud today’s outcome, but one victory cannot end the fight. Congress must pass federal legislation immediately to ensure that voters are given fair and equal opportunities to exercise their right to vote.”
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About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
