http://www.lawyerscommittee.org/newsroom/press_releases Latest press releases from the Lawyers' Committee en-us Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:26:33 -0600 info@lawyerscommittee.org (Lawyers' Committee Info) cwilliamson@articulatedman.com (Chris Williamson) 40 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0194 In a strongly worded order handed down yesterday, U.S. District Judge Charles A. Pannell, Jr. denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a coalition of voting rights groups to remedy the State of Georgia's failure to provide voter registration services at public assistance offices, as required by Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0194 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0193 The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law commends Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) for taking steps to address the importance of protecting the right to fully participate in our democracy for all Americans, especially vulnerable and traditionally disenfranchised persons. The Lawyers' Committee submitted formal testimony for today's Senate Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights hearing, "New State Voting Laws II: Protecting the Right to Vote in the Sunshine State." http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0193 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0192 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0192 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0191 With the Florida Primary less than three weeks away, and several changes to state election law, Election Protection, the nation's largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition, led by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, stands ready to help Florida voters. Highly trained volunteers are available now through Primary Election Day, January 31st, to assist voters with any questions or problems, no matter how simple or complex. Voters may call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) toll-free with any questions or issues that may arise on Election Day. This English language hotline will be staffed live from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST on Primary Election Day. Spanish-speaking voters may seek assistance through the 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682) hotline. http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0191 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0190 Today, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law releases an analysis of the vote on Initiative 27, Mississippi's voter identification amendment, which found that despite its passage by the majority of voters in the November 8, 2011 election, more than 75% of the state's minority population voted to reject the requirement to show photo ID when voting. http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0190 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0189 The Loan Modification Scam Prevention Network (LMSPN) recently reached a critical milestone in the national effort to stop foreclosure rescue scams. Through the efforts of homeowners, housing counselors, advocates and Network partners from across the country, the national Loan Modification Scam Database, led by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, has collected more than 20,000 scam complaint reports since its launch in March 2010. http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0189 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0188 The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law praised the decision by the U.S. Department of Justice today to block a South Carolina law that would have prevented registered voters from casting ballots at the polls on Election Day unless they have government-approved photo identification. http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0188 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0187 The Lawyers' Committee praises Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) for reintroducing updated legislation to generate tough new criminal and civil penalties for those who create and distribute false and deceptive voting information and campaign literature. This critical legislation will help reduce the "real fraud" that is occurring in our election system and therefore increase voter confidence in our democratic process. All too often, deceptive practices are utilized by those who seek to circumvent the will of the people for their own selfish political or monetary gain. These kinds of practices are undemocratic and unconstitutional. We strongly support Senators Cardin and Schumer for taking a strong stance against the kinds of fraud that plague our election system today. http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0187 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0186 "The Lawyers' Committee commends U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. for exercising leadership in speaking out against suppressive voting laws sweeping the nation," said Executive Director Barbara Arnwine. "The fundamental right to vote and choose our leaders is at the heart of what it means to be American and participate in our democracy. As General Holder so eloquently stated, it's time to enact real solutions to the real problems impacting our elections to create a truly accessible democracy for all Americans." http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0186 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0184 A coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups has repeated their request that the U.S. Department of Justice block a South Carolina law that would prevent registered voters from casting ballots at the polls on Election Day unless they have government-approved photo identification. The groups, including the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, argued that the law would disproportionately affect minority voters and thus would suppress the minority vote. http://lawyerscommittee.articulatedman.com/newsroom/press_releases?id=0184