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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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| KEY TAKEAWAYS |
|---|
| The NAACP has filed multiple lawsuits in Georgia against voter suppression. |
| Legal challenges target voter purges and the new hand-counting rule. |
| Collaboration with other civil rights groups strengthens their legal efforts. |
| The lawsuits claim violations of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). |
| The NAACP wants to make sure all eligible voters can participate in the election process. |
| These lawsuits could have a big impact on voting in Georgia. |
NAACP’s Fight to Protect Voting Rights in Georgia
The NAACP has launched a strong legal effort against voter suppression in Georgia. With the November 5 election coming up, the civil rights group wants to make sure every eligible voter can cast their ballot without problems.
NAACP Files Multiple Lawsuits
The NAACP’s legal plan is urgent and focused. They filed lawsuits to fight different types of voter suppression in Georgia. These actions aim to stop new voting rules, voter purges, and laws they believe are meant to keep certain groups from voting.
NAACP urges DOJ to investigate Georgia’s online voter registration removal practice
Georgia Republicans support policies allowing election interference
NAACP files lawsuit against S.B. 189, challenging mass voter eligibility challenges
NAACP files lawsuits against SB 202 and new hand-counting rule
Civil rights groups intervene in lawsuit challenging hand-counting rule
NAACP files fourth lawsuit to protect thousands of voters
Source: NAACP Files 4th Suit in GA, Seeking to Protect Thousands of Voters
Voter Purge and NVRA Violations
The NAACP’s legal fight centers on stopping voter purges. They are challenging efforts to remove voters from the rolls, arguing that these actions break the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). One example involves the attempt to purge over 5,000 voters in DeKalb County, which the NAACP says is illegal and an effort to silence voters.
Source: NAACP Files 4th Suit in GA, Seeking to Protect Thousands of Voters
New Voting Rules and Hand Counting
The NAACP isn’t just fighting voter purges; they’re also taking on new voting rules. One rule requires hand-counting ballots, which could cause big delays, mistakes, and voter disenfranchisement. It’s not just inconvenient; it threatens the fairness of the democratic process.
The NAACP argues these new rules aren’t just bad for voting logistics—they could be illegal. By challenging these rules in court, they want to keep secure voting processes in place and protect voters’ rights.
Voter Suppression and Election Interference
The NAACP’s lawsuits respond to what they see as a planned effort to suppress votes, especially in communities of color. One concerning issue is the new voter registration cancellation portal, which they argue could be used to keep legitimate voters from voting.
- Glitch allowed access to sensitive voter information
- Unauthorized cancellations of voter registrations possible
- Date of birth, driver’s license number, and partial SSN exposed
- Potential for voter disenfranchisement
Source: Press Release: Civil Rights Groups File Lawsuit to Stop Georgia Laws
Even more concerning are the policies supported by Georgia Republicans that the NAACP says allow election interference. These measures aren’t democratic; they threaten fair and free elections.
Working with Other Organizations
The NAACP isn’t fighting alone. They teamed up with other civil rights and voting rights groups, like the League of Women Voters of Georgia, the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, and the ACLU. This united front is important in the face of such widespread attempts to block voters.
These groups are sharing their resources and legal skills to protect voters. They’re working together to make sure every eligible voter can cast their ballot without fear or trouble.
Source: NAACP Files Lawsuit in Georgia, Seeking to Halt New Rule Requiring Hand-Count Ballots
The Stakes: Democracy on the Line
The NAACP’s legal battle in Georgia is about more than one election or one state. It’s about the foundation of American democracy. Challenging unfair voting rules, and pushing back against election interference is central to the the NAACP’s fight against voter purges.
The upcoming November 5 election will be important. These lawsuits will decide if thousands of eligible voters can cast their ballots or if they’ll be silenced by unfair rules. The NAACP’s fight is our fight—a battle to protect democracy and ensure every vote matters.
FAQ
Q: Why is the NAACP involved in legal actions in Georgia?
A: The NAACP is fighting against voter suppression to make sure every eligible voter can cast their ballot without problems, especially with new voting rules and voter purges.
Q: What legal actions has the NAACP taken?
A: The NAACP has filed lawsuits targeting voter purges, new voting rules, and other actions they argue block marginalized communities from voting in Georgia.
Q: What issues are raised about voter purges?
A: The NAACP says current efforts to purge voters, especially in DeKalb County, break the National Voter Registration Act and limit voter participation.
Q: How could the new voting rules impact the election process?
A: The new rules, like hand-counting ballots, could cause big delays and lead to disenfranchisement, hurting the voting process.
Q: Who is working with the NAACP in these efforts?
A: The NAACP teamed up with groups like the League of Women Voters of Georgia and the ACLU to protect voter rights and challenge unfair practices.
Q: What is at stake in this legal fight?
A: The outcome will decide if thousands of eligible voters can cast their ballots, making it a key fight for democracy and fair elections.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He wrote several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
