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5-18-2015
Yakima Community Members and Leaders to Rally for Washington Voting Rights Act
Yakima is currently embroiled in a federal Voting Rights Act lawsuit due to a broken election system that silences the voice of communities of color. An at-large voting system has led to a situation where Yakima, which is 40% Latino, has yet to see a Latino elected to the city council.
The city is currently spending millions of dollars to fight the federal Voting Rights Act lawsuit. The Washington Voting Rights Act, currently being considered by the state legislature, would provide local jurisdictions in Washington with a clear and fair process for resolving problems with broken election systems that exclude communities, while avoiding costly federal litigation. The State House of Representatives passed the legislation earlier in the year on a bi-partisan vote, but the State Senate has failed to bring the bill up for a vote.
On Wednesday, May 20, Yakima community members and leaders will rally in front of city hall to demand that the city stop fighting the federal Voting Rights Act lawsuit and urge the State Senate to pass the Washington Voting Rights Act in the special session (HB1745). Leaders from Yakima’s two Latino-majority districts will speak to the importance of civic engagement and how Yakima’s at-large voting system has silenced the voices of some communities in the city.
"It’s sad that the City of Yakima is choosing to spend millions on fighting this lawsuit – that money would be better spent on community programs, health and safety initiatives or furthering early childhood education," said Yakima community leader Vickie Ybarra, "We’re gathering this Wednesday to ensure that all voices are heard in Yakima city politics. This means passing the Washington Voting Rights Act, which will help cities in Washington with the same broken election systems as Yakima resolve those issues without costly litigation."
WHO: NAACP Yakima Chapter President Rev. Willie Pride, Former Yakima School Board President Vickie Ybarra, Community leaders Sonia Rodriguez True, Rev. Robert Trimble and David Morales, and dozens of Yakima community members
WHAT: Rally for Washington Voting Rights Act
WHERE: Performance Park, adjacent to Yakima City Hall, 129 N. 2nd St, Yakima, WA
WHEN: Noon on Wednesday, May 20
Media Contact
Pavan Vangipuram, OneAmerica Communications Manager, 206-452-8403, pavan@weareoneamerica.org
About OneAmerica
OneAmerica, formerly Hate Free Zone, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advances the fundamental principles of democracy and justice by building power within immigrant communities.
 
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