NAACP Condemns Georgia’s Secretary of State for Opening Door to Widespread Voter Suppression
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON — Today, the NAACP and Georgia State Conference of the NAACP released a statement expressing profound concern regarding the recent decision by the Georgia Secretary of State to implement changes to the digital voter registration cancellation process. The decision, which provides individual citizens with the ability to cancel any other individual's voter registration digitally, poses a significant threat to voter access and participation across the state.
NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement demanding a reversal:
"Make no mistake - this decision is a direct attempt to stifle the voices of Georgia's most powerful, and historically disenfranchised voters. Let's not forget that this is the same state Donald Trump attempted to steal nearly 12,000 votes from. We didn't stand for it then, and we won't stand for it now. The NAACP demands that Secretary Raffensperger immediately reverse this process that is in direct violation of our fundamental right to vote. Whether it's collective advocacy or taking it to the courtroom, we remain committed to exploring all pathways to right this wrong. Black voters are not backing down, and the NAACP is All In on ensuring our community has access to the ballot box in November."
In the battleground state of Georgia, 33% of the population is Black, and have the power to be the deciding factor in the election. The Biden-Harris ticket in the 2020 presidential election was decided by less than 12,000 votes — the results included the support of 88% of Black voters. As part of the NAACP's multi-million dollar civic engagement program, the National office is providing direct support to the Georgia State Conference and other grassroots organizations across the nation who are working to get Black voters to the polls.
"Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. Any action that impedes this fundamental right is a direct attack on our nation's core values," said Georgia NAACP President Gerald Griggs. "The recent changes on the web portal allowing digital cancellation of voter registrations are not just a step backward but a leap into disenfranchisement for many Georgians. History has taught us that any obstacle to ballot access directly impacts Black, and other vulnerable communities. Our state should be working to make voting more accessible, not more difficult. The Georgia NAACP stands firmly against any measure that restricts voter access and undermines the democratic process."
The NAACP is currently litigating cases within numerous states across the country where voting rights are under attack, including Florida, Texas, Mississippi and others. To learn more about the NAACP's Election Protection and Voter Mobilization efforts, visit our website.
###
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.