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Dale Ho
Director, Voting Rights Project at ACLU
Professional Background
Dale Ho is a prominent attorney dedicated to the advancement of voting rights in the United States. As the Director of the ACLU's Voting Rights Project, Dale supervises the organization’s litigation efforts nationwide, focusing on ensuring fair access to the ballot for all citizens. Under his leadership, the ACLU has taken on a range of vital cases that protect the voting rights of marginalized communities, making significant contributions to the ongoing fight for democracy.
Dale Ho has made a name for himself in the legal field, having argued before the United States Supreme Court in two highly impactful cases. One of his most notable cases, Trump v. New York, challenged the exclusion of undocumented immigrants from the population count that is used to apportion representation in the House of Representatives. Another key case, Department of Commerce v. New York, successfully contested the inclusion of a controversial citizenship question on the 2020 Census. This case has gained attention not only for its legal implications but has also been featured in the award-winning documentary film, The Fight, illustrating its significance in the broader narrative of voting rights in America.
Additionally, Dale served as lead counsel in the landmark case Fish v. Kobach, which has been hailed as “the most significant voting rights case this century.” In this landmark case, he successfully challenged a Kansas law that imposed onerous requirements on individuals registering to vote, ensuring that access to the ballot remains within reach for all eligible voters. His involvement in these pivotal cases has showcased his deep commitment to advocating for civil rights and ensuring that every voice is heard in the democratic process.
Beyond his litigation work, Dale Ho is actively engaged in public advocacy, having testified on election law before Congress and various state legislatures across the nation. His expertise in these areas marks him as a nationally recognized figure in the ongoing discourse surrounding voting rights.
Education and Achievements
Dale Ho's academic background is equally impressive, having graduated with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Yale Law School, where he honed his legal skills and understanding of civil rights law. Prior to this, he earned his A.B. in Political Philosophy from Princeton University, which laid the groundwork for his passion for public service and social justice.
Dale’s contributions to the field of law and civil rights have earned him several accolades. Among these honors, he received the 2020 Asian Law Alliance Legal Impact Award and the 2019 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) President’s Award for his significant contributions to advancing voting rights and civil liberties. His commitment to public service was also recognized in 2018 when he was appointed to New York City’s Charter Revision Commission, further underscoring his dedication to shaping the governmental processes that impact citizens' access to voting.
Dale’s exemplary work in the legal field has not only influenced public policy but also inspired many young lawyers. In 2017, he was honored as one of the Best Asian American Lawyers under 40 by NAPABA, highlighting his emerging leadership within the Asian American legal community.
Contributions to Legal Education
In addition to his role as a litigator and advocate, Dale Ho has contributed significantly to legal education as an adjunct clinical professor of law at NYU School of Law. His experience extends to teaching at various institutions, including New York Law School and Brooklyn Law School, where he has imparted wisdom and practical skills to the next generation of legal professionals. His dedication to education enhances the understanding of civil rights and voting laws among aspiring lawyers.
Dale also actively shares his insights and analyses through various media outlets. His opinions have been published in leading publications such as the New York Times, and he frequently appears on televised programs including CNN, The Rachel Maddow Show, and All-In with Chris Hayes. His thought leadership in voting rights, redistricting, and civil liberties underscores the relevance and urgency of these issues in contemporary society.
Key Achievements
- Director of the Voting Rights Project at ACLU: As the head of this project, Dale oversees crucial litigation efforts aimed at protecting the voting rights of individuals nationwide.
- Supreme Court Advocate: Dale has argued before the Supreme Court, most notably in the cases Trump v. New York and Department of Commerce v. New York, both pivotal in shaping voting rights.
- Lead Counsel in Landmark Cases: Successfully led the case Fish v. Kobach, which made significant strides in removing unnecessary barriers to voting registration.
- Testified Before Congress: Dale’s expert testimony on election law influences legislative discussions and policymaking on voting issues.
- Adjunct Professor of Law: Teaching future generations at prestigious law schools, contributing to legal education and fostering the next wave of advocates for civil rights.
- Recipient of Notable Awards: Awarded the 2020 Asian Law Alliance Legal Impact Award and the 2019 NAPABA President’s Award, recognizing his profound impact on legislation and voting rights advocacy.
Dale Ho’s journey reflects an unwavering commitment to civil rights, equality, and justice within the electoral process. From his impressive legal background to his impactful leadership at the ACLU, Dale continues to spearhead significant advancements in voting rights, ensuring that every voice is heard in the democratic process. His blend of legal expertise, public advocacy, and dedication to education cements his status as a key figure in the struggle for fair and equitable access to voting in America.
