Civic Engagement
& Civil Rights

Voter Education & Registration

Latinos/as play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of critical elections. The future of America’s democracy depends in part on sustained, meaningful engagement that promotes civic participation and policy outcomes that resonate with the Latino/a community.

For over 50 years, LCLAA has empowered the Latino/a workforce by educating workers about their rights and building support for labor unions in Latino/a communities. LCLAA brings together Latino/a trade unionists to strengthen the labor movement and promote the social, economic, and political progress of Latino/a working families. Each year, LCLAA members help register thousands of voters and help get them to the polls to increase both civic participation and political progress within the Latino/a community.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that our democracy remains responsive to all of the nation’s electorate. See how LCLAA is working to ensure that Latinos/as can fully participate in local and federal elections in a safe and accessible manner.

See our voting rights page for the latest on our civil rights work!

“The aims and objectives of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement shall be to... promote voter registration, voter education, voter protection, and voter mobilization.”
— LCLAA's National Constitution

Voting rights Under Fire

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, at least 19 states passed 34 laws restricting access to voting between January 1 and December 7, 2021. Much like the Jim Crow laws of the 1960s, modern voter suppression laws tend to target racial and ethnic minorities by targeting the economically underprivileged. For example, voter suppression laws recently passed in Texas ban election agencies from encouraging absentee voting, limits the use of drop-boxes, and limits the extent to which third parties can assist voters by providing translation or information on how to vote.

Protecting the right to vote

In response to the recent wave of voter suppression laws at the state level, members of Congress have introduced two bills that would prevent states from writing minority voters out of political life: the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Amendment Act. These pieces of legislation would ensure that state and local voting laws meet national civil rights standards—an accountability mechanism first passed via the Voting Rights Act of 1965 but significantly weakened by a Supreme Court decision in 2013.

Protecting Voter Rights

Why Vote?

  • Because your vote counts and you deserve to be heard

  • Because elections have serious consequences that can last for decades

  • Because your vote has the power to make a difference

  • Because others depend on your vote

  • Because someone fought for your right to vote

  • Because not voting is giving up your voice

What Are My Rights?

  • You have the right to cast your vote if you registered to vote before the deadline.

  • If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line. You have the right to vote!

  • If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.

  • If the machines are down at your polling place, ask for a paper ballot.

If you run into any problems or have questions on Election Day, call the Election Protection Hotline:
1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)

See what We’re saying

Read our latest statements supporting a voting rights for all.

Voter Resources