NAACP Files Lawsuit to Block Missouri’s Unconstitutional Special Session Threatening Black Voters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Today, the NAACP, alongside the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, filed a lawsuit against the State of Missouri to stop an unlawful attempt to convene a special legislative session aimed at redrawing political maps in ways that would diminish the voting power of Black Missourians. The NAACP already sued Texas over its new unconstitutional map.
"This case is about defending democracy and protecting the voice of every voter," said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. "The Missouri legislature's attempt to force a rushed, unconstitutional redistricting process in a special session is a blatant effort to silence Black voters and strip them of their fundamental rights. We will not stand by while elected officials manipulate the system to weaken our power and representation."
The NAACP's filing requests immediate judicial intervention to block the Governor and legislative leaders from moving forward with the proposed special session. The lawsuit underscores that such actions violate both the Missouri Constitution and the principles of fair representation guaranteed to all citizens.
"Our communities already face systemic barriers to full participation in our democracy," said Nimrod T. Chapel Jr., President of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP. "This attempt to redraw maps behind closed doors and outside of regular order is nothing more than an attack on Black Missourians' ability to choose leaders who reflect and respect their needs. We will use every tool at our disposal to stop it."
The NAACP remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring equal representation and safeguarding the rights of Black voters nationwide. We fight to ensure that democracy works for all.
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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.