For Immediate Release: Monday, June 9, 2025
Media Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
New York Latino Civic Engagement Coalition Launches Latino Week of Action Before Start of Early Voting
The coalition will provide nonpartisan electoral information to over 200,000 Latino voters in all five boroughs during the 2025 NYC Municipal Elections
Videos and Pictures will be made available upon request
New York, NY – The New York Latino Civic Engagement Coalition (NYLCEC) held a press conference in the Bronx to announce the launch of the 2025 Latino Week of Action – a series of events to engage thousands of Latino voters in New York City before the start of early voting for the 2025 Municipal Elections. With over 1 million registered voters, Latinos comprise 23% of the city’s voters and will play a crucial role in deciding who appears on the ballot in the November election.
The coalition will continue to engage Latino voters through the primaries, providing information about their voter rights, how to check their voter status, and contacting over 200,000 voters to increase voter turnout. The organizations in the coalition will also utilize their social media platforms to provide information to their followers, and developed a bilingual toolkit that voters and organizations can use to make a plan to vote.
“Latino voices have shaped the culture, economy, and future of New York City for generations—but our power is only fully realized when we vote. This June, it’s not just about casting a ballot—it’s about showing up for our neighborhoods, our families, and our future”, said Emely Paez, Senior Director of Government and Community Affairs, Hispanic Federation. “That’s why we are partnering with our member and partner agencies in New York City to provide nonpartisan voter education and engage with over 200,000 Latino voters across all five boroughs. Together, we’re making sure our community is informed, empowered, and ready to participate.”
“Language access is not a privilege, it’s a right protected by federal law,” said Isabelle Muhlbauer, LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “Latino voters must know they can request ballots, assistance, and voting materials in Spanish, and bring someone to help them interpret at the polls. This week of action is about empowering our communities with the tools they need to vote with confidence. Every voice matters, and every vote counts.”
“New Yorkers have the right to vote in their language,” said Jadel Munguia, Assistant Press Secretary, NYC Campaign Finance Board. “That is why at the Campaign Finance Board, we’re working to reach voters with limited English language proficiency across the city. We provide key information about voting —when and how to vote, what’s on the ballot, and why voting matters —in 14 languages.”
The press conference was held at Urban Health Plan located in the South Bronx in an effort to highlight Latino voters in the borough while also showcasing the organization’s efforts to inform voters about the upcoming primaries, the nuances of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), and making one final push before the June 14th Voter Registration deadline. The 2025 municipal primaries in New York City will be the second time New Yorkers utilize RCV to elect candidates for Mayor and other city-wide positions.
” As a federally qualified community health center, Urban Health Plan receives funding from all levels of government. We understand that voting matters. Whoever gets elected will have a significant impact on the work that we do and the services we provide to the community,” said Luis Marrero, External Affairs Director, Urban Health Plan.
“New York City is full of energy and pride—but that means nothing if we don’t vote. In 2021, less than 25% of registered voters showed up, leaving over 3 million voices unheard. We can’t let that happen again—especially in our Latino community. The 2025 citywide elections are our chance to shape the future. Ranked-choice voting gives us power, but only if we use it. Latinos, let’s show up strong this June, vote early, and make our voices count,” said Eddie Cuesta, Executive Director of Dominicanos USA (DUSA).
“Latinos are a crucial segment of New York City’s electorate, and NALEO Educational Fund is proud to stand with our partners to offer the community information and assistance to make their vote count,” said Orlando Ovalles, Northeast Director of Civic Engagement, NALEO Educational Fund. “We know that Latino voters want to participate in elections, but too often, they lack access to the information they need to cast a ballot. Collaborations like the one we are announcing today are pivotal for reaching community members to inform them about their options to vote, important dates on the elections calendar, and most importantly, their rights as voters. NALEO Educational Fund’s 1-888-839-8682 hotline is available to offer voters the information they need to make their vote count, as well as serving as a resource to resolve any issues they encounter while attempting to vote.”
“Ranked choice voting gives voters more choice and more voice in this election cycle. All New Yorkers should take advantage of this powerful tool that gives power back to the people. We’re thrilled to stand with Hispanic Federation, NALEO Educational Fund, and Dominicanos USA and get out the ranked choice vote!,” said Nia Alvarez-Mapp, Rank The Vote Organizer, Rank The Vote NYC.
“At Voces Latinas, we believe every vote is a voice, especially in a time when immigrant communities face growing barriers to safety, dignity, and opportunity. Participating in local elections is one of the most powerful ways Latinos can shape a future that reflects our needs, values, and strength. Our voices matter. Our votes do too,” Derick Mendoza, Director of Programs, Voces Latinas.
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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.
About LatinoJustice PRLDEF:
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For over 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org
About NALEO Educational Fund:
NALEO Educational Fund is the nation’s leading 501(c) (3) non-profit, non-partisan organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service. Founded in 1981, NALEO Educational Fund achieves its mission through integrated strategies that include increasing the effectiveness of Latino policymakers, mobilizing the Latino community to engage in civic life and promoting policies that advance Latino political engagement.
About Dominicanos USA:
Since its founding in 2013, Dominicanos USA (DUSA) has become one of the most renowned and respected Latino organizations in New York City. Its two seminal programs – one on voter registration and mobilization and the other a free-of-charge citizenship application assistance clinic – have reached and engaged thousands of Latino individuals with bilingual information critical to their civic participation.
About Rank The Vote:
Rank the Vote NYC was founded in 2019 to bring Ranked Choice Voting to New York City. After our historic win, we have since shifted to educating voters, candidates & campaigns and community groups on the upcoming changes to our local elections in 2021.
About NYC Votes:
NYC Votes is an initiative of the New York City Campaign Finance Board, the independent city agency that ensures local elections are fair, inclusive, and open. Established in 1988, the agency also equips New Yorkers with information about the candidates on their ballot and how their campaigns are funded. Our matching funds program matches every $1 from a local donor with up to $8 of city funding, encouraging city candidates to focus on their communities instead of special interests.
