Shutting down these sites, the day before the caucus, would have disenfranchised and prevented thousands of low wage workers, including union, non-union, women, & minorities from participating in the electoral process.  The UFW cheers the Culinary Workers Union for their leadership in making sure these low wage workers have the opportunity to vote.

Background: Last year, the Democratic Party of Nevada moved its 2008 caucus date to join Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina as one of the first, four states to kickoff the presidential primary season.  In addition, the Democratic Party approved at-large-precincts inside nine Las Vegas resorts to ensure caucus access to low-income shift workers, who work within 2 ½ miles of the Strip, including cooks, food servers, bus persons, bartenders and porters.  The UFW strongly supports these Democratic Party efforts to ensure access and increase voter participation.

Unfortunately, a law suit was filed last Friday in the federal court. It sought to shut down those nine Democratic caucus sites, claiming those voting in at-large precincts being held on the Strip would have too much influence compared with those voting at their polling places, violating the equal protection law of the U.S. Constitution. This law suit was filed after the Culinary Workers union, which represents thousands of these casino workers, endorsed a presidential candidate on Jan. 9th. On January 17, the lawsuit was thrown out by Federal Judge James Mahan who affirmed that the Nevada Democratic Party has the right to set its rules as it sees fit.

1/17/08: New York Times: Judge Allows Vegas Caucus Sites on the Strip

1/16/08: Las Vegas Sun: Timing may sink lawsuit aimed at Strip voting

1/12/08: Las Vegas Sun: Voting on the Strip a no-no, suit says

1/12/08: New York Times: Teachers Sue to Block Hotel Workers’ Union Vote in Nevada Caucus