End Citizens United // Let America Vote (ECU // LAV) President Tiffany Muller released the following statement celebrating the beginning of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month:
“Today marks the first day of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, when we take the time to honor the innumerable ways in which the AANHPI community has shaped and enriched our nation. Their commitment to fighting for equal opportunities, justice, and civil rights has helped steer our country towards a better, brighter, and more inclusive future.
“The road to get to where we are hasn’t been smooth and we still have a long way to go. In addition to the growing hate crimes against Asian Americans, there has been an alarming rise in legislation that disproportionately affects AANHPI communities’ ability to vote, making it harder for their voices to be heard in elections. We urge Congress to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would address the specific challenges and voter suppression tactics these communities face.
“We must carry on their legacy and fight to ensure we protect one of our most fundamental values: that we all have the freedom to use our voice—and have it be heard—in our democracy.”
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