Coalition Seeks to Restore Immigrant Voting Rights in Local Elections
Voting Rights Activist from New York to Speak in Portland

The Portland Coalition to Expand Voting Rights has formed, with the goal of enfranchising permanent legal residents in Portland to vote in municipal elections. Initial supporters include officeholders at the city and state level and organizations including The League (a.k.a. LPOV), POWER, and the Portland Green Independent Committee.

On April 12th, State Representative John Eder and School Board member Stephen Spring will be hosting a forum on immigrant voting rights at Portland High School featuring Ron Hayduk, author of Democracy or All: Restoring Immigrant Voting in the United States.

Immigrants awaiting citizenship had the right to vote in the United States prior to the era of harsh anti-immigrant sentiments in the early decades of the 20th century, according to Eder, who said he will submit a bill to restore immigrant voting rights in Portland if that requires any changes in state statutes.

Restoring Immigrant Voting Rights Forum 7:00 p.m. - Wednesday, April 12th
Portland High School – Room 304.
FMI: Ron Hayduk, author and immigrant voting rights activist 917-691-4153
Rep. John Eder, Maine State Legislature 871-0317
Stephen Spring, Portland School Board 879-4040