Media contact: Ed Gilhuly | 305-807-6906 | egilhuly@leftcom.com

“This week’s disruptive and embarrassing debate performance by Donald Trump was a another obvious attempt to dishearten and discourage Americans, with a particular focus on Black men and the young, against casting their votes. But we have no intention of sitting back and allowing them to trick us into not exercising our right to vote. As the October 5 voter registration deadline approaches in Florida, we’re energized more than ever.”

“In Florida every election is decided by a razor thin margin, so every single vote is critical. It would be heart-breaking to have to sit out this critical test of democracy because of a missed registration deadline. October 5, October 5, October 5! Join our members in reminding our families and community that our vote is our power.

“1199SEIU caregivers are leading historic outreach to voters this year through millions of phone calls, texts and other efforts to communicate their desire for new competent leadership such as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. It’s not surprising in states where early voting has already started, the increase in participation to date is up about nine times that of 2016. Here in Florida, 65,000 registered Democrats, 33,000 Republicans, and 23,000 with no party affiliation (NPAs) already have returned ballots . Floridians will vote.

“Working families of all backgrounds and colors are uniting in support of affordable healthcare, a fair wage, racial and economic justice, fair and humane immigration policies, clean and safe communities and so much more. As a union of healthcare workers, we have seen first-hand how much everyday Floridians have been hurt these past three years, not just due to COVID-19, but the comprehensive lack of leadership, honesty and basic morality in the White House today.”

Roxey Nelson is a vice president and director of politics & strategic campaigns for 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the union that represents more than 25,000 nurses and healthcare workers throughout Florida.