Attacks on Block Parties Just Latest Effort to Silence Low-Income, Minority Voters
Angered by attacks from the Republican Party and conservative radio hosts on block parties held recently that celebrated the right to vote, community leaders and elected officials gathered at N. 38th Street and Good Hope Road at noon today.
“Why are these events – located in low-income neighborhoods – being singled out for scrutiny?” asked state Senator Spencer Coggs. “We’re standing up for our right to vote and we’re tired of folks trying to silence our voices.”
Brenda Saunders, a resident of State Senate District 8 who attended one of the block parties and also voted early, said, “Why is it that every time we try to stand up and do something good for our community someone accuses us of doing something wrong?”
Referring to a recent complaint filed by the Republican Party, Michael Lauer, executive director of Wisconsin Jobs Now, said, “We see voter suppression efforts like these baseless allegations all the time. It’s clear that no one was ‘rewarded’ for voting with food. We will not let outrageous claims by those representing corporate interests silence or stop our efforts.”
