The Arizona Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held a public meeting this month on voting rights and access. 

The committee invited academics, policy makers, civil society organizations, community groups, and other interested individuals to give their views on voting barriers that may have discriminatory elements such as voter registration, early voting, poll access and language.

Lisa Marra, director of Cochise County’s Elections Department, was one of the guests featured on the panel of government and election officials. Members of the public were also given the opportunity to speak during the open public comment session towards the end of the meeting.

Along with the 2018 statutory enforcement report on voting rights, the committee will give its findings and recommendations in an advisory memorandum to the commission.

The Committee will be accepting written testimony until April 9. You can send your submissions to afortes@usccr.gov.