Volumen 1, Edición
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Octubre 2020
INFORMA
Statehood is on the ballot for Puerto Ricans this November Puerto Rico is poised to vote on statehood — and make political waves from NYC to Washington, D.C. this November. Puerto Rico’s governor says he would back a federally sponsored referendum that asks voters whether the U.S. territory should become a state.
Statehood means Puerto Rico would get two U.S. senators and an estimated five seats in the House of Representatives. It would get a crucial seven electoral votes in presidential elections. More importantly for statehood advocates, it would be much more difficult for President Trump or anyone else to treat Puerto Rico differently from the other 50 states. “The momentum of history is with statehood,” Torres added. Polls show more support for statehood than ever before, especially compared to past disputed referendums. Puerto Ricans favored the measure by an 18-point margin in a recent poll.
On Nov. 3, millions of the island’s residents will cast their ballots and answer an impor-tant question: Do they want to ask for state-hood? If so, it’s a decisi-on that would dramatically shake up the political status quo from the Bronx to Washington, D.C. For Ritchie Torres, the soon-to-be congress-man from the Bronx, statehood, or estadidad, is simply about Puerto
And Americans on the mainland are also surprisingly supportive of the idea of adding new stars to the flag. A recent poll said Americans support statehood for Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, if they ask for it, by a powerful 59%-26% margin, including a huge 70% backing from political independents. Puerto Rico has held five non-federal referendums, although none specifically asked people to simply vote yes or no on statehood. In the most recent referendum, held last year, nearly half a million votes were cast for statehood, about 7,600 for free association or in-dependence and nearly 6,700 for
Ricans getting the saas any otme right her American citizen. “If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re going to be on the menu,” said Torres, who will succeed Jose Serrano (D-Bronx) as representative of the most heavily Puerto Rican congressional district in the nation. “The people on the island should not be at the mercy of presidents and Congress.”
the current territorial status. But just 23 percent of voters turned out. If Puerto Rico is given fullfledged status as the 51st state in the union?
Ritchie Torres
The Constitution provides that each state gets two seats in the US Senate regardless of population, which means Puerto Rico would take the 101st and 102nd seats in the chamber.
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L I F E S T Y L E
Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Publisher/Editor
For what it's worth I am excited ! Samuel J. Roberts
I
do believe that this election is the
most important one of my lifetime. I thought that was true when Barack Obama ran for President. I remain profoundly grateful that I was alive to encounter a candidate who was able to speak to my fears, my hopes, my dreams. It was the first time that a candidate represented me in such a profound way. Owner/Publisher/Editor
I was proud of the empathy he exhibited, the brilliance, the ablity to rise above hatred and negativity. He was elected to that office and carried with him the hopes of millions. Billions even, because across the world people were able to look at him and see themselves and be proud. He didn't let us down. But his character is one part of his
Minimum wage was increased by an executive order to from $7.25 to $10.10 for all workers on federal contracts. The Paris Agreement central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change. Immigration reform was done by executive power to create work. DACA which would allow illegal immigrants currently living within the United States to legally stay and obtain a work permit. A pandemic response unit was formed under Obama in 2016, President Barack Obama expanded the National Security Council to include the Directorate of Global Health Security and Biodefense. This election is important for negative reasons that I will not even go into in this editorial.
legacy. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden went into office during an economic downturn and turned that around and did the following: The Child Care and Development Block Grant of 2014 was signed into law. This act provides grants to states so they can assist low-income families in finding child care for their children. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act become law. The bill makes it easier for people to challenge unequal pay complaints and is designed to help address the wage gap between men and women. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 became law. This act sought to provide increased protection for women under the law by improving law enforcement tools to combat the violence, improving services for victims of violent crimes, and improving awareness and violence reduction practices. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act became law to help jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute hate crimes more effectively. The American Taxpayer Relief Act extended tax breaks for the majority of Americans while raising the tax rates for top earners. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, became law. This was the most significant regulatory makeover of the U.S. healthcare system since the 1960s.
I don't even need to. The Democrats have provided me with a slate that I am excited about. Joe Biden proved that in his work with President Obama. Kamala Harris is a qualified woman of Caribbean and Indian descent, I see my friends, my community, my family in her. I am more than good with this slate, I am excited!
1969 Alafaya Trail • Orlando, FL 32828 Office: 407-427-1800 Fax: 407-386-7925 Toll Free: 877-220-8315 For Media Information email: Publisher: sroberts@caribbeanamericanpassport.com Info: .Info@caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Should you desire to review past copies of the publicationgo to http://caribbeanamericanpassport.com and click on the 'Print Archive'. Editor & Publisher................................................................................... Sam Roberts Publisher ............................................................................. Guenet Gittens-Roberts Graphic Design & Layout .....................................................................Aleia Roberts Contributing Writers: ................................................................................ Tony Dyal ..................................................................................................................Aleia Roberts Contributing Photographers ............ .......................................................Ted Hollins .....................................................................................................................Dilia Castillo
Central Florida Distribution........................................................Kadeem Roberts South Florida Distribution .............................................................Norman Williams
NorthFlorida Distribution .....................................................................Theo Jack Jr. Tampa Distribution ..................................................................................Julian Pina Copyright (C) 2016 GGR Marketing & Public Relations. All rights reserved.
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Adela M. Lopez,
Volunteer in the Puerto Rican Diaspora of Orlando, Florida The opinions expressed are not in my capacity as Director of Misión Boricua and/or as a Board Member of Alianza Center. The plan seeks to provide relief from PR’s unsustainable debt and reverse the policy of fiscal austerity imposed by the FOMB (Fiscal Oversight and Management Board), including auditing the debt, an initiative that has been at the center of grassroots demands. As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran drafted from Puerto Rico without a vote or voice in the matter, I am profoundly disturbed by the existence of the current draft-dodging president who disparages those who have served & sacrificed their lives. During the last four years, the current president failed to adequately respond to Puerto Rico’s natural disasters instead delaying and raiding disaster relief funds to build a wall, ignored the evidence of climate change, threatened to sell the “dirty” island, denied the existence of systematic racism, has yet to provide an alternative healthcare plan to the one he criticizes, consistently lies & threatens the rights of the most marginalized in our communities, all while downplaying the existence of a world wide pandemic.
I voted Biden/Harris on behalf of all of the US Military Veterans that reside on the island, the hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans forced to migrate North due to financially strangling policies affecting their livelihoods, and for the 2975 lives lost as a result of Hurricane Maria. I ask you to vote Biden/Harris because the lives of Puerto Ricans depend on it.
Unlike the current administration, the Biden/Harris Plan for Recovery, Renewal & Respect for Puerto Rico specifically addresses issues that are unique to my compatriotas on the island. The plan includes a binding process for Puerto Ricans to determine their own political status, supporting a full recovery and infrastructure reconstruction to modern standards, investing in Puerto Rico’s future through economic development initiatives and support for families and expanding access to education and workforce development.
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Paid for by New Florida Majority Education Fund
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Haz un plan. No espere para votar. Make a Plan. Don't wait to vote. We need to bank every vote for Joe Biden. If you don't have a mail ballot yet, pick one up at the elections office today, vote it there and deposit it into the secure drop box. Early voting Starts October 19 to November 1st (8 AM to 8 PM 7 days a week. Necesitamos depositar todos los votos para Joe Biden. Si aún no tiene una boleta por correo, recoja una en la oficina de elecciones hoy, vote allí y deposítela en el buzón seguro. La votación anticipada comienza el 19 de octubre al 1 de noviembre (de 8 AM a 8 PM, Los 7 días de la semana) Vote in any one of these locations: Vote en cualquiera de estos lugares: Supervisor of Elections Office Robert Guevara Community Center West Osceola Branch Library (Celebration) St. Cloud Civic Center Kissimmee Civic Center The Gym & Aquatic Center Narcoossee Community Center Tax Collector (Campbell City Branch) For more information, visit: www.voteosceola.com
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Frequently Asked Questions If I vote early, will the phone calls stop? Yes. After you vote, your name will come off the voter lists to be contacted. I like to go in person on Election Day to do my civic duty. Why should I vote early this year? The stakes are too high to leave anything to chance including illness, Covid19 pandemic, hurricanes, work schedules, family emergencies, risk of being infected by others who refuse to wear masks, and expected GOP voter intimidation tactics at the polls. Please don't take that risk. In Florida, every vote counts because we are a 50-50 state. If Biden wins Florida, there is NO path for trump. Is it safe to put my ballot in the mail? Yes, we recommend that you mail it no later than October 19th. After that, drop it off at the Elections office drop box or at Early Voting sites. What is the risk of my mail ballot being rejected? In Osceola county, it is less than 1/2 of 1%. The number one reason for rejection is a missing signature, followed by switching envelopes among family members, followed by a grossly mismatched signature. Will I know if it my mail ballot does get rejected? The Supervisor's office will contact you (provided you put your contact information on the envelope) and let you know as soon as they find a problem and will help you to fix it. Is there a way I can confirm that my mailed ballot was received? Yes, call the office at 407-742-6000 or check online at www.voteosceola.com Why does my status show received and not counted yet? If your ballot shows as received, you can be assured that it will be counted at the next Canvassing Board meeting. It will not show up as counted until the files are officially uploaded to the system later on election night. Can I still vote if I misplaced my Mail Ballot? Yes. The Elections Office has a record of returned ballots and will cancel your original ballot and send you a replacement ballot in the mail or they will allow you to get a replacement ballot at the polls.
Make a plan to Vote - iwillvote.com THREE WAYS TO VOTE: 1. It's not too late to use a Mail Ballot Now through Nov 1 Pick up a mail ballot at the Supervisor of Elections Office MF from 8am-5pm Vote it there and drop it in the secure drop box outside Or drop it off in any of the 8 Early Voting locations 2. Vote Early: October 19th - November 1st 8:00 am - 8:00 pm 7 days a week Vote any any one of these locations Supervisor of Elections Office Robert Guevara Community Center West Osceola Branch Library (Celebration) St. Cloud Civic Center Kissimmee Civic Center The Gym & Aquatic Center Narcoossee Community Center Tax Collector (Campbell City Branch)
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3. Vote on Election Day: November 3rd 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Please use this option as a last resort - Don't risk your vote • Last chance • You can ONLY vote at your assigned polling location (these can change from year to year and you will be turned away if you are at the wrong one) • Expect hours long lines • Expect crowds in this Covid19 environment
• Voters will NOT be required to wear masks • You may encounter GOP voter intimidation tactics • This option is your very last chance to vote and could be missed due to illness or extenuating circumstances.
If you experience any problems trying to vote, we are here to help. Call 833-868-2252 before you leave the polls. Voter protection hotline 833- VOTEFLA
Key Dates Last day to register to vote: October 5th Last day to request a mail ballot: Oct 24th Early voting: October 19 - November 1st Election Day: November 3rd Deadline for ballot to be received to be counted: November 3rd 7:00 pm www.caribbeanamericanpassport.com
Hillsborough County Democrats’ annual fundraiser rakes in $135,000 The Hillsborough County Democrats’ staged their second virtual fundraiser of the year last weekend, grossing over $135,000. This year’s annual Kennedy King fundraiser more than doubled the $66,000 raised in their first annual fundraiser last Spring. “We are a solidly blue county in a purple state,” said Executive Committee Chairman Ione Townsend. “We know that if we do our job and get out the vote here, we have the power to tip the scales and flip all of Florida blue. We take this responsibility extremely seriously. Last weekend’s fundraising for our Victory Fund shows how fired up we are to elect Democrats up and down the ballot and create a blue landslide that even the narcissism of Donald Trump cannot deny.” The event hosted some 650 people on the interactive social networking platform, Lunchpool. Headline speakers included House Majority Leader the Hon. Steny Hoyer and 72 nd Governor of Virginia the Hon. Terry McAuliffe. The evening also featured the livestream premiere of the VoteD Project which took place in Ybor City. VoteD is a dual-projector, interactive mobile art installation showcasing Democratic values. Its goal is to inspire and motivate Tampa voters to register and vote Democratic. The VoteD Project will be popping up all over Tampa in the following weeks, including a scheduled stop at a drive-in Debate Watch Party tonight at 8PM, at 2910 W Columbus Dr. The Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee co-ordinates strategy to elect Democrats and promote progressive values in Hillsborough County. For more information, please contact Ione Townsend at 813-704-5131 or itownsendhcdec@gmail.com.
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Turn Up Turn Out Vote! your questions about the voting process. For the TurnUps, Voting IS Black Culture! and is a family affair. Each family member has a unique story that leads them to the 2020 ballot box.
Turn Up Turn Out Vote! A joint venture between Black & Blu Research, LLC and Real Women Radio Foundation launched a unique civic engagement program, Turn Up, Turn Out, Vote! to drive participation of Black voters during this critical election season. Turn Up, Turn Out, Vote! is a multi-generational Black and African American Florida voter education program, that places all the information you need in the palm of your hand to become a knowledgeable voter, through a mobile app. The Turn Up Turn Out Voter Pro App 2020, contains videos, frequently asked questions, election tools, and covers every county of Florida. Participants will follow the adventures of the TurnUps, a civic minded-multigenerational family, addressing all of
Xiomara TurnUp, Puerto Rican born, and proud of it, provides motherly advice to ensure you have everything you need and are prepared on election day. Little sister, Tiffiny TurnUp will keep you informed on what steps you need to take to cast your 2020 Florida ballot successfully; while her big brother Trey, will use the TurnUp app to help him decide how he wants to cast his first time ballot. Will he vote by mail and if so, does he need a stamp? Or will Trey vote in- person, and what about ID should he bring? Join The TurnUps on their journey to share accurate upto-date Florida voting information for all 67 counties! Text TurnUp-APP to 90407 to download the Turn Up Turn Out Voting Pro App 2020 for in your pocket, onthe-go voting info. Click on the merch button for a free T-Shirt, mask or stickers (while they last).. Voting IS Black Culture!
EARLY VOTING: County locations & times for 2020 Florida Primary Hillsborough County Thur, Sept. 24: Ballot Mailing Begins Mon, Oct. 19 - Sun, Nov. 1: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m.
Highlands County Thur, Sept. 24: Ballot Mailing Begins Thur, Oct. 22 - Sat, Oct. 31: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m.
Pinellas County Tue, Sept. 29: Ballot Mailing Begins Mon, Oct. 19 - Sun, Nov. 1: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m.
Hardee County Thur, Sept. 24: Ballot Mailing Begins Thur, Oct. 22 - Sat, Oct. 31: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m.
Polk County Thur, Oct. 1: Ballot Mailing Begins Mon, Oct. 19 - Sun, Nov. 1: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m.
Citrus County Mon, Sept. 28: Ballot Mailing Begins Mon, Oct. 19 - Sat, Oct. 31: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m.
Pasco County Thur, Sept. 24: Ballot Mailing Begins Mon, Oct. 19 - Sat, Oct. 31: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m
DeSoto County Thur, Sept. 24: Ballot Mailing Begins Mon, Oct. 19 - Sat, Oct. 31: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m
Manatee County Thur, Sept. 24: Ballot Mailing Begins Mon, Oct. 19 - Sun, Nov. 1: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m.
A returned voted ballot must be received by the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7 p.m. (local time) on Election Day.
Sarasota County Thur, Sept. 24: Ballot Mailing Begins Mon, Oct. 19 - Sun, Nov. 1: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m. Hernando County Thur, Oct. 1: Ballot Mailing Begins Mon, Oct. 19 - Sat, Oct. 31: Early Voting Tue, Nov. 3: Ballots must be received at SOE office by 7 p.m
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Other return options are available for Military and Overseas Voters under certain circumstances. The United States Postal Service recommends that domestic nonmilitary voters, mail back their voted ballots at least 1 week before the Election Day deadline to account for any unforeseen events or weather issues. The Federal Voting Assistance recommended earlier timelines.
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Program
provides
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