Voto Latino

Today, the Voto Latino Foundation is proud to announce a groundbreaking nationwide partnership with National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations aimed at mobilizing Latino students across college campuses to vote. This collaboration is set to empower and foster civic engagement, leadership development, and community service among Latino youth by giving Latino Greeks the opportunity to lead.

“This collaboration with NALFO represents a powerful step forward in mobilizing Latino youth. We are so thankful for NALFO’s commitment to empower Latino voters ahead of a pivotal election,” said Voto Latino Foundation Co-Founder and President Maria Teresa Kumar. “By combining our efforts, we can ensure that the voices of young Latinos are heard and that they play a crucial role in shaping the future of our country.”

“NALFO is proud to embrace our motto, Latino Greeks United, via a partnership with VLF to show how representation matters in addressing Latino issues through civic engagement,” said National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, Inc. President Cristina Luna. “Our organizations are committed to leading the way on college campuses to empower the Latino community.”

This partnership includes Latino Greeks United student leaders and alumni from 17 of the NALFO member organizations: Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority, Incorporated (ΑΠΣ), Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. (ΑΨΛ), Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (ΧΥΣ), Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (ΓΦΩ), Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΓΖΑ), Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. (ΚΔΧ), Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. (ΛΑΥ), Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad / Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. (ΛΠΧ), Lambda Pi Upsilon Sorority, Latinas Poderosas Unidas, Incorporated (ΛΠΥ), Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. (ΛΣΥ), Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. (ΛΘΝ), La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. (ΛΥΛ), Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (ΩΦΒ), Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΦΙΑ), Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (ΣΙΑ), Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority Inc. (ΣΛΥ), and Sigma Omega Nu Latina Interest Sorority, Inc. (ΣΩΝ).

A dedicated NALFO Election Center will be unveiled with civic resources for all Latino Greeks to mobilize as easy-lift tools for registering voters and empowering their fraternities and sororities to make a plan to vote. And NALFO organizations will activate these tools on-campus, through in-person campus initiatives and digital outreach in partnership with VLF. The primary goal of the Voto Latino Foundation and NALFO partnership is to increase voter registration and turnout among Latino students, particularly those involved in NALFO's 17 sorority and fraternity member organizations.

This partnership is part of the Voto Latino Foundation’s broader, non-partisan VL On-Campus initiative to work with student and campus leaders across organizations to make sure that diverse communities of young Latinos nationwide have their voices heard this November.

To mark the commencement of this significant partnership, a virtual celebration and kick-off event will be held on August 14, 2024, at 6 PM EST, via Zoom. This event will bring together Latino Greek leaders, members, and influential speakers to discuss the importance of civic participation and the resources available through this partnership.

Community members can help to uplift this partnership with a dedicated toolkit, uplifting and connecting to the NALFO Election Center resource.

For more information, visit http://votolatinofoundation.org/NALFO

From VP Kamala Harris’ running mate Gov. Tim Walz:

Today, Voto Latino, the leading civic engagement organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latino voters, is pleased to congratulate Vice President Kamala Harris for securing the Democratic National Committee's nomination for President of the United States. Voto Latino also celebrates Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for being named as her running mate.

“Today, we celebrate not just a historic nomination, but the embodiment of the American Dream. Vice President Harris understands the challenges faced by the Latino community and has tirelessly worked to uplift our voices and ensure our rights are protected. Her journey from the daughter of immigrants to the nominee for the highest office in the land inspires millions,” said Voto Latino Co-Founder and President Maria Teresa Kumar. “This achievement marks a significant moment for our nation and communities of color. As the first Black and Asian American woman Vice President and now Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the principles of equality and justice for all Americans. Her leadership has been pivotal in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities nationwide.”

"Voto Latino also congratulates Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for being named Vice President Harris’ running mate. His strong record of defending democracy, protecting voting rights, and standing up for working families in Minnesota aligns perfectly with the values our organization and the Latino community hold dear."

"The Harris-Walz ticket represents a powerful voice for progress, equality, and opportunity for Latino communities and all Americans. I have the privilege to know them both personally, and I can attest that they are the dynamic duo of who the country needs: decent, caring, patriots who put country first, " Kumar added. "We are confident that this team will energize Latino voters and all those who believe in building a more inclusive democracy and fighting against far right extremists."

Voto Latino reaffirms its commitment to mobilizing Latino voters in support of the Harris-Walz campaign. We are doubling down on our efforts to empower Latino voters through an unprecedented $44 million investment in Latino voter registration and turnout initiatives nationwide. This campaign aims to mobilize the largest number of Latino voters in U.S. history, ensuring that their voices are represented in the democratic process.

🚨Reminder: This election is more than just about the presidency. On November 5, 2024, we are voting for:

🗳️1 President
🗳️1 VP
🗳️11 Governor seats
🗳️34 Senate seats
🗳️435 House seats
🗳️A range of state and local elections

Make a plan to vote: http://votolatino.org/electioncenter

Today marks five years since the mass shooting in El Paso, Texas — one of the deadliest attacks on Latinos in modern American history.

Let’s take a look back at what happened, and where we are in the fight for gun reform.

Five years later, our hearts are still with El Paso. 🧡

🥇🥇🥇

BREAKING: The Justice Department found that Texas routinely violated the civil rights of children at five of its detention centers by using excessive force and failing to protect them from sexual abuse.

80% of the children were Black or Latino.

U.S. Justice Dept finds Texas violated the civil rights of youth in detention centers The U.S. Justice Department found on Thursday that Texas has routinely violated the civil rights of juveniles at five detention facilities by using excessive force, failing to protect them from sexual abuse and discriminating against children with disabilities.

The wannabe dictator saying the quiet part out loud.

JD Vance says women who haven’t given birth are “childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives,” and have “no direct stake” in America. We liked Jennifer Aniston’s response:

“I truly can’t believe this is coming from a potential VP of The United States. Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day. I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too.”

REMEMBER: 36.2 million Latinos are eligible to vote this year. Our voting power only works if we all participate.

Make a plan to vote: votolatino.org/electioncenter

“My mother used to — she would give us a hard time sometimes — and she would say to us, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?’ You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.” —Kamala Harris 🥥🌴

REMINDER: This election is not just about the presidency. It's also about Congress.

Please vote.

Today, Voto Latino, the leading civic engagement organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latino voters, officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign to be the next President of the United States.

"Voto Latino enthusiastically endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” said Voto Latino Co-Founder and President Maria Teresa Kumar.

“As far right extremists seek to demonize immigrants, shatter our democracy, and curtail our rights at every turn, Vice President Kamala Harris has led the defense of our multicultural democracy. Her long-standing support for working Americans, voting rights, DACA, and for women’s rights have done so much good for our country and the Latino community – and it has never been more important.

“Kamala Harris understands the immigrant experience like so few leaders in our country can. The Vice President embodies the American Dream, and that’s why so many of us identify with her connection to her immigrant parents, their sacrifice, and their entrepreneurship.

“The Vice President has been a longtime friend of Voto Latino since our inception 20 years ago. She has been a supporter, a counselor, and a proponent of equal rights for the most marginalized among us, demonstrating that she will be the President for all Americans.

“We had the great privilege of going on the road with the Vice President for her campus tour conversations with young Americans about the most pressing issues facing their generation. I have witnessed firsthand how she energizes young voters – the very voters who will determine our country’s fate in November.

“And that’s why Voto Latino is confidently and joyfully endorsing Kamala Harris for President. She has earned our trust – and our votes – with her work to represent the interests of Latino families. Our democracy and basic rights are on the ballot this year, and she is the best candidate for our country.”

As part of its mission to help the Latino community fully realize its political power, Voto Latino is committing an unprecedented $44 million to the largest Latino-focused registration and turnout campaign in U.S. history.

Today, Voto Latino, the leading civic engagement organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latino voters, issued the following statement thanking President Joe Biden for his historic record of delivering for the Latino community:

"President Joe Biden's extraordinary accomplishments saved America from the catastrophic era of Donald Trump in 2020, and he has been a hugely successful, progressive president. His decision to step aside is classic Biden, sacrificing his self-interest for the good of the nation,” said Voto Latino Co-Founder and President Maria Teresa Kumar

“President Biden has a significant record of achievement in representing the interests of the Latino community. There’s no doubt that he is one of the most consequential leaders in American history. He promised to improve the lives of hard-working Latino families and he delivered. While Trump was putting children in cages and separating them from their parents, President Biden was reinstating DACA and protecting DREAMers.

“He signed an executive action to protect long-term undocumented spouses in the United States by streamlining pathways to lawful status. This relief calmed the fears of the estimated 50,000 U.S. citizen children who have an undocumented parent, and lived under the threat that a parent may be deported at any time.

“President Biden also provided continued protection to Salvadorians, Hondurans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans through Temporary Protected Status. From day one, President Biden has fought to keep families together, remove barriers to obtaining lawful status, and provide stability to our communities.

“Despite numerous Republican efforts to block crucial aid, Biden’s administration delivered for millions of Latinos. He made significant investments in the future of Latino communities by creating millions of good-paying jobs, decreasing Latino unemployment, and delivering millions of COVID vaccines. He expanded access to affordable health care, lowered prescription drug prices, and reduced the burden of student debt. Thanks to President Biden, Latinos have better access to affordable childcare and workforce training.

“In 2020, Voto Latino endorsed Joe Biden in the face of an unprecedented threat to our community and our country. His exceptional term has earned our admiration and respect. His list of accomplishments is long and significant, and the Latino community will benefit from his work for generations. Biden has been the president for every American.

“Now more than ever we must unite our efforts to make sure Trump is not elected in November. The stakes have never been higher. If Trump returns to the White House, he’ll execute his anti-democracy and extreme platform. He will continue dehumanizing immigrants and will deploy our military to round-up people who they deem look undocumented. Trump also will expand the cottage industry of detention centers across the nation where no one is safe - U.S. citizens or not.

“Donald Trump’s record of anti-immigrant and anti-worker policies severely burdens Latino working families. And he is now promising to double-down on his cruelty in 2025. He represents an unprecedented threat for Latinos and our thriving country.

“Election decency, our democracy, and basic rights are on the ballot. The alternative is devastation to our families. Voto Latino will double-down on its efforts to help the Latino community fully realize its political power and create a more robust democracy. We’ll execute the largest Latino-focused registration and turnout campaign in U.S. history. And we’ll continue working with President Biden during the rest of his term.”

🚨This is what the election is all about: our democracy.

Please vote: votolatino.org/electioncenter

President Biden will recover from COVID. On the other hand, Donald Trump will always be a twice-impeached President who’s been convicted of 34 felonies.

Project 2025 is not a game. Please vote.

Thank you for speaking the truth Taraji P. Henson

Accurate.

Words of wisdom from the late James Baldwin:

“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”

This , we remind you that we must continue the fight to preserve our democracy. ✊🏽

Do your part and register to vote: votolatino.org

Already registered? Donate to our cause: votolatino.org/donate

speaking the truth!

Today, in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on twice-impeached former President Donald Trump’s immunity claim, Voto Latino President Maria Teresa Kumar released the following statement:

🚨Tonight is the first Presidential Debate between Joe Biden and a convicted felon. We’ll be watching so you don’t have to.

Today marks two years since the Supreme Court overturned and took away the constitutional right to abortion.

Since then:
❌14 states have ceased nearly all abortion services and three states have enacted six-week bans.
❌Nearly 6.7m Latinas live in the 26 states that have banned or are likely to ban abortion
❌Three million Latinas in these states lack funds to travel to another state for abortion care

🗳If we want to protect abortion rights across the country — and for our communities — we must vote for those who are willing to protect it. This November, vote like your rights depend on it... because they do.

BREAKING: In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court upheld a Biden federal ban preventing anyone placed under a domestic violence restraining order from possessing a gun.

The lone Justice in favor of allowing domestic abusers to own guns? Clarence Thomas.

Supreme Court upholds domestic violence gun restriction The case was a test for how far the court’s conservative majority is willing to go in backing gun rights following a major ruling in 2022.

Today, in response to President Joe Biden’s announcement of relief for undocumented people living in the US, Voto Latino President Maria Teresa Kumar released the following statement: votolatino.org/media/press-re…

Following severe storms across Texas, over 1 million people in Texas were left in the dark, without power. This stems from the record high temperatures across the Atlantic.

Climate change is affecting the entire planet, and our communities are feeling it severely, with more than half of Latinos living in Texas, California, and Florida, three states facing this extreme weather and its effects.

It is imperative we take action to combat climate change, as we protect the Latino community from climate catastrophe!