Farmworkers and supporters march for their rights

Farmworkers have begun marching from Delano to Sacramento to secure their right to vote in union elections. This “March for the Governor’s Signature,” which kicked off yesterday and will traverse over 300 miles of the Central Valley in extreme summer heat, is meant to convince Gov. Newsom to sign AB 2183, the United Farm Workers and UFW Foundation’s Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act.

In the words of a factsheet produced by the office of CA Assemblymember Mark Stone, “the bill expands voting options for farmworkers by allowing them to choose if they want to vote at a physical location, or vote by mailing or dropping off a representation ballot card to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) office.” It would also ensure that workers in need of assistance with their ballots would be accommodated.

PPC’s Policy Priorities include demands to protect and expand voting rights and civil rights, and to guarantee the right to form and join unions to all workers. AB 2183 would give more choices to farmworkers so they can vote free from intimidation—in secret, whenever and wherever they feel safe.

The route for this march, or peregrinación (pilgrimage), goes through 24 valley cities and towns. Community members and organizations in each town will supply key support: a morning blessing when marchers depart; organizing residents to participate and help; providing food, water and housing for the marchers. On August 26, hundreds of farmworkers and supporters will march the last mile from Sacramento’s Southside Park to the big finish at the capitol.

Last year, Gov. Newsom proclaimed August 26 California Farmworker Day; he can show his appreciation by signing AB 2183. You can be part of this historic struggle for farmworker rights by joining the march and signing this petition.

email california@poorpeoplescampaign.org 8/4/22