LOS ANGELES, CA –The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund issued the following statement regarding Proposition 14, the California ballot measure that would establish a “top two candidates” open primary for congressional and state elected positions:

“The Board of Directors and the Board of Advisors of the NALEO Educational Fund have undertaken a full examination of the potential impact of Proposition 14 on Latino political engagement and representation. This examination has included a review of research on California’s earlier experiences with an open primary, data on the political participation of Californians, and
various analyses of the policy and political issues raised by the ballot measure.

“Based on the foregoing examination, the NALEO Educational Fund has determined that it will neither support nor oppose Proposition 14, because the measure will not significantly enhance or impair opportunities for Latino engagement and representation in California.

“The NALEO Educational Fund is committed to promoting policies that strengthen California’s democracy, and ensure that it is responsive to all of the state’s diverse communities. Should California adopt the “top two” open primary, the NALEO Educational Fund will carefully monitor its impact on Latino participation and electoral opportunities in the state.”

About NALEO Educational Fund
The NALEO Educational Fund is the nation's leading non-partisan, non-profit organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.