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 joint complaint, and motion for a temporary restraining order to extend the voter registration period in the state of Georgia. 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 XX court marks NAACP’s 9th 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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