ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Several
leading national advocacy groups, including the American Diabetes
Association (ADA), the nation's leading organization for all people
living with diabetes, AARP and AARP Foundation, filed an amicus
brief today in the U.S. Supreme Court to help defend the rights of
older Alabama voters and those
with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. This follows a historic
federal court ruling in Alabama
earlier this month prioritizing the health and safety of voters
living with chronic conditions. In a move demonstrating disregard
for medically vulnerable Alabamians, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill and the other defendants appealed
the ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th
Circuit, prompting the ADA, along with AARP and AARP Foundation, to
file this brief with the Supreme Court in response.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Disability Rights
Network, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Disability
Rights Advocates, and Disability Rights North Carolina joined
the brief with the ADA, AARP and AARP Foundation to voice their
support for access to curbside voting. The New York law firm Holwell Shuster &
Goldberg LLP represented the parties on the brief, pro bono.
"I implore the members of the Supreme Court to take the needs of
Alabamians facing the greatest risk in the wake of COVID-19 into
account as they consider this case," said Tracey D. Brown, CEO of the ADA. "Not only would
the barriers being considered by Alabama officials force many to choose between
voting and their health, but because of the outsized impact of
diabetes and other chronic conditions on most Americans, they would
also effectively disenfranchise low-income Alabamians and people of
color. The ADA will continue to fight for their rights through the
election this November and beyond."
"The right to vote is fundamental to who we are as a nation and
voters must have an opportunity to vote safely, especially during a
pandemic," added AARP Foundation Senior Vice President for
Litigation William Alvarado Rivera.
"Prohibiting local authorities from making it easier for those at
higher risk to vote in person is not only illegal, it's
unconscionable. No one should have to choose between risking their
health — possibly their life — and casting their vote."
About the American Diabetes Association
Every day more
than 4,000 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes in America.
More than 122 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes and
are striving to manage their lives while living with the disease.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading
voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the
diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For
80 years the ADA has been driving discovery and research to treat,
manage and prevent diabetes, while working relentlessly for a cure.
We help people with diabetes thrive by fighting for their rights
and developing programs, advocacy and education designed to improve
their quality of life. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do
next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get
involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES
(1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American
Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram
(@AmDiabetesAssn)
About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to end
senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic
opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP's charitable
affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by
vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that
foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope. To
learn more, visit http://www.aarpfoundation.org or follow
@AARPFoundation on social media.
Contact:
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Daisy Diaz,
703-253-4807
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press@diabetes.org
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Colby Nelson,
202-706-8416
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Media@AARP.org
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SOURCE American Diabetes Association