LULAC Urges Alabama Governor to Reopen Closed ID Offices
October 14, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Last week, Governor Robert Bentley of Alabama announced the closure of 31 driver’s license offices primarily located in rural majority-minority areas of Alabama. Given Alabama’s strict voter ID laws, many accused the state of attempting to diminish the voting power of impoverished minority communities by limiting their access to proper forms of photo ID. Today, LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha, Jr., issued the following statement with regards to a potential plan by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and the Alabama State Legislature to allow the 31 driver’s license offices to remain open.
“LULAC is concerned with the decision to close 31 driver’s license offices in impoverished, majority-minority counties. With Alabama requiring voters to show a valid form of ID, shutting down these offices leaves many unable to obtain the proper photo identification, leading to government-sanctioned disenfranchisement. We urge Governor Bentley to consider a bridge loan plan to ensure that these offices remain open and to seek a permanent solution with state lawmakers that ensures their future functionality. At a time when photo ID requirements are strictly enforced, it is essential that all eligible voters have the necessary tools to be able to exercise their constitutional right to determine the representative of their choice.”
Today, LULAC sent a letter to Governor Bentley's office urging him to consider a plan to reopen the closed DMV sites. Click here to read the letter in its entirety.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org, www.LULAC.org/facebook, and www.LULAC.org/twitter.