Image Source: NAACP
August 8, 2024 Story by: Editor
This week, the NAACP sent a formal letter to Assistant Attorney General Kristin Clarke, urging the Department of Justice to launch an immediate investigation into Georgia’s new practice of online voter registration removals. The organization also called for necessary measures to reverse any voter registrations canceled due to this new process. The concern arises from a recently introduced Voter Registration Cancellation Portal, which allows individuals to cancel another person’s voter registration without their knowledge through just a few clicks on the secretary of state’s website. Furthermore, the state has admitted to exposing the personal information of Georgia’s six million voters, including birthdates, driver’s license numbers, and social security details.
NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson expressed his dismay, stating:
“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.”
Johnson also emphasized the NAACP’s longstanding commitment to voting rights:
“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.”
Along with the call for a federal investigation, the NAACP has partnered with its Georgia State Conference and the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights to file an NVRA notice. The notice demands that Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger reverse the Voter Registration Cancellation process to avoid further legal action from all involved parties.
Gerald Griggs, President of the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP, added: “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. 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.” Source: NAACP
