Editor’s Note: You may submit your questions for the candidates here!
(Reading, PA) – Una Voz, Un Voto/ One Voice, One Vote, a first of its kind bilingual candidate forum for candidates running for the office of Mayor of the City of Reading will be held on Tuesday April 30, 2019. This in-person community voter engagement event will be held on the campus of Reading Area Community College in the Miller Center for the Arts, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Una Voz, Un Voto/ One Voice, One Vote is a citizen-driven initiative created with support from the Unity Coalition of Greater Reading (a consortium including Centro Hispano, The Jewish Federation, The Islamic Center, and the Reading Branch NAACP), the League of Women Voters of Berks County and students from Reading Community College.
There will be a special emphasis on issues challenging both youth and Spanish speaking voters while allowing those populations to have an opportunity to speak to the candidates in a style that is more inclusive. The questions asked during the forum will be presented in both English and Spanish, with the candidate responses in English, and professional translation services will be provided for all those who request it.
“In the city of Reading, 44.3% of the residents are native Spanish speakers, and 39% of the voting age population is under 34 years of age”, stated community organizer Laura Cordero. “This electorate continues to be underrepresented at candidate forums and their issues go unvoiced. An event specifically focusing on the issues and challenges that are most pressing to Spanish Speakers and Young voters is essential to inclusive voter engagement.” All six of the mayoral candidates running for the office have been extended invitations to participate.
All communities and all individuals are encouraged to attend and participate. Doors will open promptly at 5:45 p.m. This special event will also air on Facebook Live in both English and Spanish. Free parking will be available at the RACC parking garage behind the Reading IMAX Theater at 27 N Front St Reading, PA 19601.
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Una Voz,Un Voto/One Voice,One Vote, una primera conversación bilingüe entre candidatos para los postulados a la alcaldía de la Ciudad de Reading se llevará a cabo el martes 30 de abril de 2019. Este compromiso en persona con los votantes se llevará a cabo en el Miller Centro de Artes de Reading Area Community College, a partir del las 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Puertas abren a las 5:30 pm.
Una Voz, Un Voto / One Voice, One Vote es una iniciativa dirijida por los ciudadanos creada con el apoyo de la Unity Coalition of Greater Reading (un consorcio que incluye el Centro Hispano, la Federación Judía, el Centro Islámico y la NAACP de Reading), La Liga de Mujeres Votantes del Condado de Berks, y estudiantes de Reading Area Community College.
Habrá un énfasis especial en temas que desafíen tanto a los jóvenes como a los votantes de habla hispana, mientras se les permite a esas poblaciones tener la oportunidad de hablar con los candidatos en un estilo que sea más inclusivo. Las preguntas que se hacen durante el foro se presentarán en inglés y español, con las respuestas de los candidatos en inglés, y se proporcionarán servicios de traducción profesional para todos aquellos que lo soliciten.
Se anima a todas las comunidades y a todos los individuos a atender y participar. Las puertas se abrirán a las 5:45 p.m. Este evento especial también se transmitirá en Facebook Live en inglés y español. Habrá estacionamiento gratuito en el estacionamiento del RACC detrás del Reading IMAX Theater en 27 N Front St Reading, PA 19601.
Please visit the Facebook event page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/383362832509370/, or visit the Centro Hispano Facebook page, and click events to get more information about the Rules of Conduct and where to send questions for the candidates in advance. Any questions about the event may be directed to Rick Olmos at [email protected] or (610) 685-1264.
