Official Statement from Living United for Change in Arizona
August 22, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOENIX – In a decision that undermines democracy and threatens the rights of voters across Arizona, the Supreme Court today sided with GOP demands to impose proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration. Although the Court stopped short of purging more than 41,000 registered voters from the rolls, this decision marks a significant step backward in protecting the fundamental right to vote, especially for communities of color.
Today’s SCOTUS decision adds just another barrier to the ballot box that will predominantly impact communities of color across Arizona, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for other states and for future elections. For years, MAGA Republicans have been on a mission to undermine the integrity of our democracy and our voting process. This includes disenfranchising key voting blocs that are primarily Black and Brown voters, who predominantly do not support MAGA extremism, and Donald Trump.
This ruling erects yet another barrier to the ballot box, disproportionately affecting Black, Brown and indigenous Arizonans.
The move signals to communities of color that the GOP - through the U.S. Supreme Court now - is intent on making it harder for Black, Brown and indigenous voters to exercise their right to vote. By enacting such unnecessary and burdensome provisions, the Republican Party is trying to drown out the voices of those who overwhelmingly oppose MAGA extremism and Donald Trump.
As polls indicate, the Black, Brown and indigenous voting blocs in Arizona are growing stronger, especially with Vice President Kamala Harris on the ticket. In this year’s presidential election, Latino voters will represent 25 percent of the Arizona electorate. This trend in demographics is clearly alarming to the GOP, prompting them to enact draconian measures to suppress voter turnout, and using the courts to do their shady dealings.
Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), responded to the ruling: “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is no surprise—Arizona’s BIPOC communities have long been the target of GOP political ploys. This unjust ruling is a blatant attempt to silence the voices of voters who are excited to participate in our democracy. LUCHA has been fighting back against voter suppression and this particular piece of legislation (HB 2492) for years at the Capitol and the courtroom. So make no mistake: this ruling will only strengthen our resolve. Our communities are ready to vote these MAGA architects out, defeat Donald Trump and reclaim our democracy.”
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