TUCSON, AZ - Latino voters casting their ballots in Arizona today were approached by vigilantes, at least one of whom was armed, at the 49th Precinct Polling Place in Tucson.



Representatives from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) were at the precinct to provide answers to voters about changes in identity requirements under the recently implemented Proposition 200, and witnessed three men stop only Latino voters as they entered and exited the polls.



“The acts of these individuals can constitute illegal voter intimidation. We are monitoring and recording the acts of these men and are in communication with the FBI and the Justice Department to ensure that they fully investigate. MALDEF is on the ground here in Arizona and across the country and will not tolerate the intimidation of Latino voters anywhere,” stated Nina Perales, MALDEF Southwest Regional Counsel.

At least one of the vigilantes wore dark clothing with a badge-like emblem giving the appearance of being a law enforcement official.



Latino voters were approached by one man carrying a camcorder, another holding a clipboard, and the third wearing a law enforcement emblem and a holstered gun.



The men attempted to ask Latino voters questions, write down their personal information, and videotape them as they went to cast their vote.



Founded in 1968, MALDEF, the nation’s leading Latino legal organization, promotes and protects the rights of Latinos through advocacy, litigation, community education and outreach, leadership development, and higher education scholarships.