The Quad Cities Human Rights Coalition, a network of labor, faith, and civil rights groups, joined together on Tuesday to speak with voters ahead of the midterm election.
Speakers shared their common goal of encouraging voter participation and urging voters to check their registration, research candidates, and vote early. The members also urged voters to feel confident in exercising their right to vote.
Tim Garcia, President of LULAC Council 10, shared that, in his mind, this election is a “perfect storm,” referring to the energy ahead of the midterms. Garcia also noted that some voters have concerns; “So far there are no solid indications that we're going to have any trouble in this area. So I would say business as usual, get out and vote”.
The Quad Cities Human Rights Coalition was formed this year and consists of the Quad City Federation of Labor & Great River Area Labor Federation-AFL-CIO, LULAC Council 10, Metrocom NAACP, Immigration Coalition QC, Pax Christi QC, Progressive Action for the Common Good, Indivisible QC, One Human Family, Veterans for Peace, and QC Interfaith.
Co-Facilitator of the Immigration Coalition of the Quad Cities, Allison Ambrose, shared her vision for the coalition, “Part of this initiative is to ensure a safe election, and I hope that that will occur on November 3rd and that people will not be afraid to come out and will exercise their right to vote”.
Jeff Mason, founder of the Quad Cities’ chapter of Pax Christi USA, shared why his organization decided to join the coalition, “We support union labor as the backbone of working men and women across these United States, and we affirm and support free and fair elections without interference or tampering, and the uniquely American right to vote.”
Dan Gosa, who serves as President of the Quad City Federation of Labor & Great River Area Labor Federation, as well as an Iowa Statehouse representative for House District 81, believes “It's about ensuring that every eligible voter, regardless of race, language, zip code, background, or political affiliation, can participate freely and confidently”.
Scott County polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 3rd. Polls in Rock Island County will be open from 6:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. The nonpartisan election protection hotline can be reached at 866-OUR-VOTE, hotline hours on election day will be from 4:00 A.M. through 11:00 P.M.
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