NAACP Files Motion to Extend Voter Registration in Florida in Wake of Extreme Weather

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the NAACP, alongside several advocacy organizations, filed a Complaint and Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction to extend the voter registration period in Florida as residents recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene and brace for Hurricane Milton. Before the October 7th deadline, communities across the state experienced power outages, flooding, business closures, orders of evacuation, and more, which potentially affected their ability to register for this election season.

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

"This month, our southern communities have fallen victim to extreme natural disasters. If the Florida state government refuses to open pathways to the polls, voters stand to lose their voice in this election. We can't leave it to chance. That's why the NAACP is proud to support our Florida State Conference in taking the necessary action to ensure Black voters are able to cast their ballots in November. Our democracy depends on the actions we take today to protect these rights and protect our voices. Let's get to work."

This week, Hurricane Milton, expected to be one of the largest storms this century, will make landfall across the entire state of Florida, home to millions of eligible voters. In previous years, elections happening shortly after devastating hurricanes has led to a noticeable decrease in voter turnout.

The Florida State Conference of the NAACP is proud to lead the charge in calling on Florida's election officials to extend the voter registration deadline," said Adora Nweze, President, Florida State Conference of the NAACP. "As millions of residents grapple with the devastating impacts of Helene, and prepare to face Hurricane Milton, it is imperative that our state leadership meets this moment. A failure to extend the registration deadline has the potential to stifle millions of voices in one of our nation's most pivotal elections. Times of crisis call for concrete actions. We won't stop fighting for the tools that are necessary to ensure proper turnout." 

The NAACP is litigating more than 10 election-related cases across the country ahead of the November 5th elections. To learn more, 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.