NAACP Files Motion to Extend Voter Registration in Georgia Amidst Devastation from Hurricane Helene
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – Last night, the NAACP and the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP led other key advocacy organizations in filing a complaint, and motion for a temporary restraining order to extend the voter registration period in the state of Georgia. Potential Georgia voters were unable to register before the October 7th deadline because of prolonged power outages, election office closures, internet outages, and postal service disruptions, all brought on by last week's Category 4 hurricane. The filing comes as millions of Georgia residents grapple with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, and Georgia State Conference President, Gerald Griggs, have shared the following joint statement:
"In a historic election year, it is vital that every eligible voter has an opportunity to cast their ballot. As millions of Georgia residents grapple with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, Georgia's election officials and state leaders have a duty to ensure a fair elections process. Extending the voter registration deadline is essential to give impacted communities the time they need to recover and fully participate in the election process. The NAACP knows that every vote represents a voice, and we're prepared to do everything in our power to make sure votes are cast and voices are heard."
Yesterday's filing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia marks NAACP's 11th election-related legal action taken ahead of the November 5th elections. The nation's largest civil rights organization is currently litigating cases across Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and more. The full complaint, which was filed by the Lawyers Committee Under Civil Rights on behalf of NAACP can be accessed here.
"Hurricane Helene has caused enough harm already–tragic deaths, massive power outages, devastating flooding, and widespread damage. A natural disaster of this magnitude should not be compounded by a man-made disaster for democracy,"said Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. "The storm shut down post offices and election offices, complicating the voter registration process. So, people simply need more time to ensure their voices are heard on Election Day. That's only fair. This situation calls for a bit of compassion and a healthy dose of common sense, to make sure those who qualify to vote are able to register. Access to the ballot should not be reserved only for those who were not affected by a disastrous hurricane."
To learn more about NAACP's work to ensure Black voters' ballots are cast, 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.