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Shelby County Voter Activation
Press Statement September 19, 2024

NAACP Invests $20 Million Nationwide, Ramps Up Voter Turnout Program Less Than 50 Days Before Election

Shelby County Voter Activation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 19, 2024

Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON – Today, the NAACP announced a $20 million investment in its civic engagement program, aimed at 12 states nationwide to empower and protect Black voters at every level of our democratic process, combat rampant disinformation, and provide voters with critical and accurate information. This investment will fund additional on-the-ground mobilization efforts and digital advertising to ensure voters have the resources they need to cast their ballot.

Launched ahead of National Black Voter Day on September 20, with only 47 days remaining of the election cycle, the National NAACP's multi-million investment includes:

  • $6 million to NAACP local units and partners
  • $3 million in Black radio ads across 7 states
  • $2 million for our mail program across 7 states
  • $1 million for research (polling and focus groups), in partnership with Hart Research and HIT Strategies
  • $2 million in our digital outreach program across 7 states
  • $1.4 million in our SMS outreach program across 12 battleground states

"Radical extremists are working diligently to interfere with our free and fair election process. These agents work in statehouses, counties, and communities across the country and want to do everything in their power to stop people from voting, especially communities of color," said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. "While the threats against our democracy are present and dangerous, our commitment to making our voices heard is unwavering. Our most important Black job this November – for all of us – is showing up to the ballot box and making our voices heard. The only way to combat these radical extremists is with your vote."

NAACP has recruited over 100,000 Volunteers who will be engaging well over 14.5 million Black voters across key Battleground States, such as Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

"The Black community has made enormous progress over the last four years, from student debt cancellation to lower healthcare costs. But Project 2025 is threatening it all," said Dominik Whitehead, Senior Vice President of Campaigns and Mobilization, NAACP. "With our vote, we'll not only defend the hard-won victories our communities have seen over the last four years, but we will build on them. This election isn't about who sits in the Oval Office. It's about which candidate represents policies and priorities that move us forward. And Black Americans are listening."

NAACP's civic engagement program is anchored in analytics and built upon evidence-based innovations that have been designed by and refined by our partner GSSA, a Colorado-based data analytics and electoral strategy group. Through it, the NAACP urges all Americans to:

  • Verify their voter registration
  • Locate their polling location
  • Vote early, if possible
  • Mobilize on social media
  • Know how to get in touch with the NAACP legal office in the event they experience any intimidation or voter suppression

Make a plan to vote by visiting NAACP.org/vote.

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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.