NAACP Files Court Order to Protect Georgia Voters After Department of Justice Seizes Election Records

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 17, 2026

Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org 

ATLANTA, GA – Over the weekend, the NAACP National Office, the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP, and the Atlanta Branch of the NAACP, represented by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, have filed a motion in court to protect the private information of millions of Georgia voters following a recent seizure of election records by the Department of Justice in Fulton, County.

During the search, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents removed more than 650 boxes of ballots, which include sensitive voter information such as personal identifying details and materials from the 2020 presidential election. The motion asks the Court to prevent the DOJ from using the seized voter information for any purpose beyond the specific criminal investigation described in the search warrant.

Janette McCarthy-Wallace, NAACP General Counsel, shared the following statement:

"This is about protecting the civil rights of millions of voters in Georgia and beyond. Voters, no matter their city or state, should ever have to wonder whether participating in an election will subject them to political scrutiny. If we allow these types of actions by the DOJ to go unchecked, a dangerous precedent of voter suppression will be set across the country. Our democracy heavily depends on people feeling safe to utilize their right to vote. The Court must set clear boundaries to protect voters' privacy and to maintain confidence in our nation's election system."

The motion also notes that the seizure comes at a time when more than two dozen federal lawsuits across the country are seeking access to unredacted state voter registration rolls. In the filing, the NAACP argues that strong safeguards are needed to ensure voter data is not misused. The brief also highlights concerns about election integrity, the handling of voter records, and protecting voter privacy. 

"Voter intimidation will not work in the state of Georgia. Here, we know the power of the ballot — and we've proven time and time again that when Georgians turn out, we shape not only our state's future, but outcomes on the national level," said Gwenette Westbrooks, President of the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP. "We will not allow federal pressure to deter our confidence in the election system. The courts must protect voter privacy and the integrity of Georgia's elections. Because when Georgia votes, the nation pays attention — and we intend to keep it that way."

Over the past six months, the NAACP has joined numerous lawsuits in California, Pennsylvania, and New York to protect voters. The organization has long advocated for the rights of all voters in America – that effort will not end today. It will remain the priority of the Association to exhaust every effort necessary to protect our democracy and ensure our electoral process works for the people. For more information on our voter protection work, 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.