NAACP Urges DOJ to Investigate Newly Implemented Georgia Voter Suppression Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
August 8, 2024
WASHINGTON - This week, the NAACPsent a letter to Assistant Attorney General Kristin Clarke urging the Department of Justice to immediately open an investigation into Georgia's practice of online voter registration removals and take the steps necessary to reverse any voter registrations canceled as a result of this recently implemented practice. The call comes as a result of a newly launched Voter Registration Cancellation Portalthat allows individuals to cancel someone else's voter registration without their knowledge through a few simple clicks on the secretary of state's website. The state has also admitted to releasing the personal information of Georgia's six million voters, including birthdates, driver's license and social security numbers.
NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson shared the following statement:
"This newly implemented system is disappointing, but not surprising. It is no coincidence that Georgia, home to one of the largest Black populations in our nation, is also one with a long history of unconstitutional voter suppression tactics. For years, right wing extremists in power have worked to advance anti-Black policies and attempt to stifle the voices of Black Georgians.
Make no mistake - the fight for voting rights is nothing new to the NAACP. For over a century, we've worked to overcome the odds and ensure Black Americans' voices are heard in every election. This year is no different. We will continue to utilize all of the tools at our disposal to advance Black votes and ensure Black voices are heard. We're all in on making sure democracy works, for everybody."
In addition to the request for a federal investigation, the National NAACP worked in collaboration with their Georgia State Conference and the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights to execute an NVRA notice demanding Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger reverse the Voter Registration Cancellation process to avoid more formal legal action from all parties.
"The Georgia State Conference of the NAACP is proud to stand alongside our national office in fighting back against the latest attack against Georgians' access to the ballot box," said Gerald Griggs, President, Georgia State Conference of the NAACP."We know the power our vote holds, and refuse to allow anti-Black politicians to undermine that power. We remain committed to ensuring that every eligible voter is able to cast their votes in the upcoming election. Whether it's advocacy, education, mobilization, or litigation, nothing will get in the way of making our voices heard and our votes counted."
A copy of the NVRA notice can be found here. Please see here for a copy of President Johnson's letter to the Department of Justice.
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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.