Sykes joins Fudge to discuss Ohio voter suppression laws in place for presidential election
State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) will speak at the 7th Annual National Pen-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Presidents’ Forum about the importance of protecting voting rights this election, Wednesday, Sept. 14th at 2:00 p.m. The forum presented in partnership with Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge, will focus on the effects of voter suppression laws across the U.S., as well as solutions to combat and improve voter turnout.
“Following the 2013 Supreme Court decision to strike down a key proponent of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, we have experienced an outbreak of laws across the country, created with no real purpose but to strip many of us of our most fundamental freedom – the right to vote,” said Sykes. “As we are nearing one the most controversial elections, that for many of our millennials will be their first time voting, it’s important that we are going above and beyond to ensure that everyone who is able and willing has access to the ballot box in November. I am excited to be a part of this effort and am grateful that Congresswoman Fudge and the NPHC are fostering these kinds of necessary conversations.”
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, 14 states across the country, including Ohio, will have new voting restrictions in place for the first time in a presidential election. Recent voter suppression measures have extended from a means of creating racial barriers to include restricting millennials right to vote as well, who are a key voting demographic. The discussion will be led by NPHC millennial leaders from each of the Divine 9 organizations.
WHO: State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron)
Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11)
NPHC Millennial Leaders
WHAT: NPHC Presidents’ Forum
WHEN: Wednesday, September 14 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE:* U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, CVC Auditorium
First street Northeast, Washington DC 20515
*To see the event tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., viewers can click on twitter.com/repmarciafudge to live stream.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information and to register for the forum, please visit here.