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Hi Pamela,
I'm thrilled to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a warm welcome to the entire AOTL community. ¡Bienvenidos!
I love this celebration because it offers an intentional moment to recognize the significant impact Latinos/Latinas have had on our country.
This year's Hispanic Heritage Month theme is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together." This is so apt for this year, heading into election season, because Latino/Latina voters will shape the future together while we honor the pioneering spirit of our ancestors.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Latino/Latina population in the United States today is over 62 million people — or close to 20% of the total population — making it the largest racial or ethnic minority group and the second-largest group of voting age Americans.
There's no question: Latino/Latina voters will play a decisive role in November's election.
And according to UnidosUS, the nation's largest Latino/Latina civil rights and advocacy organization, it's estimated that 1 in 4 Latino/Latina voters will be casting their ballot for the very first time. This highlights the critical impact Latino/Latina voters will continue to have on future elections.
In such an extreme election environment, where some people will say almost anything to get a vote, first-time voters need to hear about the stakes of this election from people who believe in our fundamental rights and want to protect our democracy — they need to hear from people like you, Pamela.
The fight for a truly representative democracy and for racial equality in voting is more important than ever. Here at AOTL, we fight so that everyone's vote matters. I hope you'll consider making a donation today to support our pro-democracy work to ensure voters have their voices heard this November and beyond.
This is truly a full circle moment for me because I've been working on voting rights for over a decade. I went to law school specifically to focus on redistricting litigation after realizing just how critical fair maps are in electing accountable, responsive leaders. And today I serve as the Director of Litigation and Policy for AOTL. Over the years, this truth has remained: fair and representative redistricting is the backbone to the success of our democracy.
And now as a leader in redistricting policy and litigation — and as a proud Latina — I believe it is my personal responsibility to help protect not only the rights of Latinos/Latinas but also those of all Americans.
As we work together to strengthen our democracy, I hope you'll join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and honoring the contributions of Latinos/Latinas as our successes are woven into the fabric of our nation.
Adelante!
Olivia
Olivia Mendoza
Director of Litigation and Policy, All On The Line
All On The Line is the grassroots advocacy campaign supported by the National Redistricting Action Fund. Support our work to end gerrymandering.
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