NAACP Calls for Fair Elections Practices in Response to Trump Executive Order Limiting Mail-in Voting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2026

Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON — Last night, President Trump signed an executive order limiting mail-in ballots to an approved list of absentee voters. The Department of Homeland Security in collaboration the Social Security Administration have been tasked with creating the approved list of voters who will receive a mail-in ballot by the U.S. Postal Service. The executive order also threatens to withhold federal funding for any state who does not comply.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO shared the following response:

"Americans in every corner of our country, rural and urban, Black and white, rich and poor, healthy and infirm, civilian and servicemember, have participated in mail-in voting for decades without issue. Trump himself cast a mail-in ballot in Florida's most recent elections. This executive order is a sham.  Like mid-decade racial gerrymandering, the unlawful seizing of ballots in Fulton County, Georgia, and the SAVE Act's modern-day poll tax requirements, this executive order is intended to sow chaos and discourage voter participation in the midterm elections. We will continue to turn to the courts to ensure that everyone can have voice in our elections."

For more information on the NAACP's work to protect voting rights, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.