In response to the intimidating letter sent to Spanish-surnamed registered voters in Orange County and intended to stop these naturalized citizens from voting, Melissa Daar, California Policy and Field Director of People For the American Way Foundation issued the following statement:

This morning, People For the American Way Foundation signed a letter to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales urging him to investigate this flagrant violation of election law and its authors’ intention to intimidate voters in a competitive district. Sadly, voter suppression like this letter is not unfamiliar in Orange County, nor its association with the California Coalition for Immigration Reform, which has circulated similar letters previously. We call upon Secretary of State Bruce McPherson to immediately issue a public statement distributed widely to Spanish and English media, reiterating and enforcing naturalized immigrants’ right to vote.

People For the American Way Foundation represents more than 165,000 Californian activists and supporters. Formed more that 25 years ago by religious, civic, and business leaders who believed in the values of fairness and tolerance, People For the American Way Foundation (PFAWF) works to promote the civil rights and liberties of all Americans. PFAWF passionately believes that every American enjoys the same rights and responsibilities in a democratic society, and that every American deserves equal access to the ballot box.