National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) Names Representative Juan Candelaria (CT) and Rebecca Chavez Houck (UT) Chair & Vice Chair of Latino Voting & Elections Task Force

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WASHINGTON, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) is honored to name Representative Juan Candelaria (CT) and Representative Rebecca Chavez Houck (UT) as Chair and Vice Chair of the newly created Latino Voting and Elections Task Force.

Since 2002, Representative Candelaria (CT) has led successful efforts in his district of New Haven, CT, to empower youth and Latinos to get involved in the democratic process through voter registration drives and education. As Chair, Rep. Candelaria (CT) hopes to promote these policies that help promote voter registration and turnout, and to combat misguided legislative efforts that suppress votes.  "I am delighted and honored to have been appointed Chair of the NHCSL Latino Voting and Elections Task Force," said Representative Juan Candelaria (CT). "I look forward to working with my colleagues across the nation to identify opportunities available to increase youth participation in the process and to educate them on how being involved and organized empowers people to effectuate change."

A native of Utah, Representative Chavez Houck (UT) has been a passionate advocate for mobilizing voters and addressing the issue of the disenfranchised voter. "Participatory democracy is an issue which I feel very strongly, as I believe it is one of the most important rights we exercise as citizens in our country and community.  I am proud of sponsoring three laws during my two terms, which have improved voter access in Utah. I look forward to addressing recent attacks on voter rights, which predominantly hamper communities of color from fully exercising their franchise, as well as many other elections-related issues."

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country.  NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 340 Hispanic legislators.  For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL)