Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Supports National Efforts to Protect Voting Rights

Washington, DC - The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation announced that it has again partnered with People For The American Way Foundation, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, National Newspaper Publishers Association, and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, to sponsor the 2002 Know Your Rights – Election Protection Campaign.

The campaign is a comprehensive voter education program designed to make sure that every vote is counted on Election Day, end the disenfranchisement of African American voters, and eliminate the barriers to full participation in our Democracy. “We all know that voting is a very powerful tool, a rare and precious gift that has been the hallmark of every working democracy in the history of the world. We must be vigilant in protecting and safeguarding that right because it is the foundation upon which our system of government is built,” said Weldon J. Rougeau, president of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

On November 5th, Know Your Rights/Election Protection will provide same-day assistance to voters who encounter problems at the polls. Organizers stated the efforts of this broad-based coalition are needed to help restore voters’ confidence in the electoral process. Know Your Rights/Election Protection will be on the ground in 15 states, and a national hotline has been established to assist voters who do not have direct access to the ground forces.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has added a pop-up link to its home page (www.cbcfinc.org) that will lead all visitors to important information on voting rights, and provide links to key Voter Hotline resources in all 50 states. People who visit the site will find directions and maps to polling places; lists of candidates running for office; information on ballot initiatives; voting assistance for the elderly and handicapped; advice for obtaining assistance with voting machines, and a number of other circumstances that a voter might encounter.

In addition, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has established a national 800-Number that will be fully staffed by volunteers who will be trained to give direction and information to potential voters. That number is (800) 784-2577, and it will be operational in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, CBCF mailed tens of thousands of Voter Intimidation hotline cards listing that 800-number, to citizens all over America. People who call the number will be greeted by courteous trained volunteers who will answer their questions about voting procedures, and capture that information for a comprehensive report.

The CBCF serves as a nonpartisan, policy-oriented catalyst to educate future leaders and promote collaboration among community and business leaders, minority-focused organizational leaders, and organized labor to effect positive and substantive change in the African American community.