Overcoming Obstacles and Long Lines, American Voters Exercise Their Most Fundamental Civil and Human Right

Last night’s presidential election was an important event for all Americans who believe in building a nation as good as its ideals.

The determination of voters who were forced to endure long lines is a testament to the will of a people who understand that the right to vote has come through struggle and sacrifice.  At the same time, it was also a shame to know that in some cases the long waits were the result of partisan efforts to limit access to the ballot for millions of Americans.

“When you look at the lines that have formed in places like Ohio, they are longer than the lines in Baghdad and Kabul,” said Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

In the face of concerted efforts to restrict access to the ballot, the civil and human rights community worked tirelessly to protect the voting rights of all Americans.  Many of the worst anti-voting laws were either overturned or blocked for the 2012 election cycle. The Leadership Conference Education Fund’s Every Voter Counts project joined with partner organizations to resist anti-voting efforts and encourage voter participation.

The fight to protect and secure the right to vote will go on.  But today the American people can take pride in the progress they have made – and will continue to make – in building a diverse and inclusive democracy.