DESDE LOS ANGELES CA.

COALITION FOR HUMANE IMMIGRANT RIGHTS OF LOS ANGELES PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release: June 4, 2014 Contact: Jorge-Mario Cabrera, jmcabrera@chirla.org, (562) 243-5559 IF YOU INVITE THEM THEY WILL VOTE Latino and immigrant voters deliver if engaged early and often. Now that primary elections are over, voters demand immigration reform. Los Angeles – The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) celebrated get-out-the-vote efforts by dozens of volunteers who telephoned, knocked on thousands of doors, and talked to more than 9,000 Latino and immigrant voters who committed to casting their vote in the June 3 primary mid-term election. CHIRLA’s civic engagement program involved dozens of volunteers scattered throughout the Antelope Valley, Coachella Valley, Central California, San Bernardino County, and San Fernando Valley. Efforts started early in April. “Latino voters must be engaged and invited to be active participants for this democracy to work for all of us,” stated Angelica Salas, CHIRLA executive director. “The story of how much political muscle Latinos are going to exercise across the nation starts with the prologue of early outreach and constant contact, especially in areas where our vote has been an afterthought.” “In spite of the overall low voter turnout in California, Latino participation in this primary election is quite encouraging and made the difference in key races. Latinos and immigrants have indicated with their vote in this election that they are interested in which candidate, regardless of party affiliation, is willing to go the extra mile to protect their family and their community’s interests,” stated Apolonio Morales, CHIRLA political director. “November results do not bode well for those elected officials who refuse to advance immigration reform in spite of their community’s strong support for a prompt solution.” Diana Colin, civic engagement director at CHIRLA added: “Latino voters are hungry for information and they want to make a difference. All bets are off for them in the November election because they are ready to punish or reward the elected official and the party that makes a difference in the issues they care about.” “Latino and immigrant voters are increasingly playing a greater role in making this decision in areas such as the San Fernando Valley, San Bernardino, and the San Joaquin Valley. No one can rest on their laurels unless they have invested in strengthening the Latino and immigrant vote. Now that this primary election is over, voters want to see action on immigration reform before casting their next, definitive vote.” added Ms. Salas. Maru Galvan is an undocumented immigrant who volunteered in the get-out-the-vote efforts for three weeks prior to Tuesday’s election. “Our community understands why our vote is necessary and they are tired of excuses by either party. Immigration reform is driving many votes during the primary and that’s why I am involved. Our community’s vote will remind elected officials in either party that if they want to stay elected, they must do what’s good for our families, not just what’s good for politicians; they must vote for reform now.” she said. ### Be well, Jorge-Mario Cabrera Director of Communications Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) (213) 353-1789 direct jmcabrera@chirla.org www.chirla.org