Mi Familia Vota launches campaign to mobilize Hispanic voters against SB 1070

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Press release from Mi Familia Vota Civic Participation Campaign:

Phoenix, AZ – With the recent passage of the worst anti-immigrant state legislation in the country, Arizona voters are pushing for Governor Jan Brewer to veto the bill.

“We will contact nearly 480,000 Hispanic voters who are the teachers, doctors, laborers and employers who make this state work, urging them to call the Governor and to get involved.” declared Abigail Duarte, state coordinator for Mi Familia Vota Civic Participation Campaign. “This unprecedented mobilization demonstrates that, as voters, we hold the keys to an accountable government.”

Beginning today, Mi Familia Vota Civic Participation Campaign will reach out to hundreds of thousands of voters across the state, specifically targeting those voters who can make a difference in the 2010 election. By the end of the day, the organization will have called over 246,233 Hispanic households across the state, and will finish calling every Hispanic voter’s household in the next 48 hours.

“We believe that Arizona should prioritize creating opportunity and prosperity, instead of fostering fear and hate,” stated Ben Monterroso, Executive Director of Mi Familia Vota Civic Participation Campaign. “The Governor needs to hear from Arizona voters who know that SB 1070 would just waste precious taxpayer resources on an unfunded mandate that will lead to chaos and misery, but solve nothing.”

If signed into law SB 1070 would strain local public safety efforts by forcing police officers to prioritize federal immigration laws over local enforcement; encourage unchecked racial profiling of anyone “suspected” of being undocumented; create the threat of deportation for lawfully present immigrants and US citizens seeking work if they do not have their documentation on them at all times; and, punish local small businesses for working within the rules of the federal immigration system.

The Governor has ten days to sign, veto, or let it become law. Voters are encouraged to contact Governor Brewer directly to voice their opposition to SB 1070 by calling (602) 542-4331 or 1-(800) 253-0883.

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Mi Familia Vota Civic Participation Campaign is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to create an electorate that is energized, empowered and reflective of the growing diversity in the United States.