The League of United Latin American Citizens(LULAC) is an
organization which on a national, state and local level has been at
the forefront of providing Latinos with access to the political
process.
The League of United Latin American Citizens(LULAC) is an organization which on a national, state and local level has been at the forefront of providing Latinos with access to the political process. Historically, LULAC has been involved in efforts to remove discriminatory registration barriers in Texas, dismantle discriminatory at-large elections and redistricting in California and Texas, provide testimony before Congress on important issues effecting the right to vote, such as the reauthorization of the federal Voting Rights Act in 1982, and mobilize community activities and projects that enhance Latino voter participation.
Functioning in this capacity, and because of our tax exempt status, LULAC does not endorse particular candidates for elective offices. Recently in elections for San Benito County Supervisor, there have been questions raised about the involvement of LULAC in the electoral process.
In San Benito County, LULAC has focused on making elections more accessible to people who are not proficient in English. Thus, we monitor jurisdictions to assure compliance with the federal bilingual election process as mandated by the Federal Voting rights Act.
When a jurisdiction does not comply with both the spirit and the letter of the bilingual election provisions, we present our views to the government entity in charge of elections for corrective action. When those efforts are not successful, we contact the appropriate government entities in charge of agencies involved in enforcement of these statutory provisions. In San Benito County, as result of our inability to secure corrective action for certain deficiencies in complying with these bilingual election provisions, we contacted the United States Department of Justice for assistance.
After conducting their our investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice sued San Benito County. As a result of this litigation, the county has agreed to a settlement which, when implemented, will result in significant improvements in the county’s efforts to reach out to the limited English speaking voters.
Contacting the U.S. Department of Justice after local election officials have not acted upon federal laws compliance is a classic example of the type of advocacy which LULAC is known for.
With respect to the current matter before the County District Attorney’s Office regarding the legal validity of the recent supervisor elections and the casting of absentee ballots, LULAC as an organization has absolutely no involvement in the allegations initiated by individuals and their attorney with total ignorance of what LULAC is about – justice and equality. Our focus has been on compliance with the bilingual elections provisions of the Federal Voting Right Act, not on unethical accusations used as a defense tactic.
We hope that this letter will clarify the role of LULAC in politically empowering the Latino community in San Benito County.
Mickie Solorio Luna, immediate past state director, California LULAC
