Call for Universal Suffrage in the United States

WHEREAS, all citizens across the country should have an equal chance to participate in the voting process; and

WHEREAS, various states across the Nation are putting up barriers to exclude Americans from voting, including photo ID requirements and felony disenfranchisement laws; and

WHEREAS, almost 4 million Americans, or 1 in 50 American adults, are not allowed to vote because they have been convicted of a felony; three fourths of these Americans are no longer in jail; and

WHEREAS, 13% of African American males - 1.4 million - are prohibited from voting due to felony disenfranchisement laws; and

WHEREAS, up to 21 million Americans, or 11% of the entire voting-eligible population, do not have government-issued photo IDs. A disproportionate number of these people are racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly or low­ income Americans. A full 25% of African Americans who would otherwise be eligible to vote do not have a qualified photo ID.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP demands an America where all adult citizens 18 years of age and older including those who are incarcerated can freely vote their conscience in choosing their elected representatives.