Protesting States Which Pass Restrictive Voting Rights Laws

WHEREAS, the incidence of actual voter fraud is at a historically low level nationwide; and

WHEREAS, several states have passed new laws restricting the right to vote, from requiring strict photo ID requirements to cutting back early voting or absentee voting to restricting voter registration; and

WHEREAS, the voter restrictions passed by each state are part of a broader movement to curtail voting rights when collectively state lawmakers nationwide introduce hundreds of harsh measures making it harder to vote; and

WHEREAS, these new voter restrictions passed by several states are either hindering or acting as a barrier to African Americans wanting to vote and are therefore having a disproportionately negative impact on minority communities and young voters; and

WHEREAS, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), in our most recent economic boycott of the State of South Carolina, caused a negative financial impact to that state and made a public statement that we are in opposition of voter suppression laws in all offending jurisdictions; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP and many other organizations have entered into Memoranda of Agreement covenanting to act in unison in opposition to legislative measures that have a disproportionately negative impact on minority communities of color.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) stands opposed to and will work through the local, state and federal legislative process to make sure that new laws to curtail voting rights are not passed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP will challenge newly enacted voter suppression laws passed by several states; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP units will update their civic engagement programs to include voter education on the impact of suppressive voting laws and how Americans should properly navigate the barriers implemented by state laws; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution protesting states which pass restrictive voting laws be immediately circulated to all NAACP units, our partner organizations, and all state and local elected officials and chambers of commerce.