Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law & Election Protection Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) Launch Hotline to Support Voters in New York’s April 24th Special Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 24, 2018Amid Reports of Ongoing Voter Suppression Across the Country, Lawyers’ Committee Hotline Activated To Assist Voters in New York’s special electionsWashington, D.C. –The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is expanding its work to protect the rights of all eligible voters.  Through the use of the Election Protection hotline, the Lawyers’ Committee isinviting concerned citizens tocall 866-OUR-VOTE for help voting in Tuesday’s special election and to report instances of intimidation and discrimination.Trained volunteers answer the Election Protection hotline throughout the year to take questions and complaints from voters and would-be voters.866-OUR-VOTE is available to accept complaints regarding this strict special election. Through 866-OUR-VOTE, voters can submit complaints regarding the special election, confirm voter registration status and polling place locations, and report any voter suppression activities.“We encourage the public to contact 866-OUR-VOTE to obtain the information necessary to  participate in Tuesday’s special election. Voters can also report complaints or any suspicious activity to the Election Protection hotline.  We know that voting discrimination and voter suppression are the real threats to American democracy and we will continue to fight to ensure that all New Yorkers enjoy equal access to the ballot box,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.Staffed with trained volunteers, Election Protection’s 866-OUR-VOTE hotline will be live Tuesday, April 24th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT to assist any voter who experiences intimidation at the polls or needs information to understand their rights.Polls are open in New York from 6am to 9pm EDT.

About The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Lawyers’ Committee, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. The Lawyers’ Committee celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013 as it continued its quest of “Moving America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice under law, particularly in the areas of fair housing and fair lending, community development, employment, voting, education and environmental justice.

For more information about the Lawyers’ Committee, visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.