NAACP Statement on Voting Rights Victory in North Carolina

Baltimore, MD — The NAACP commends the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal’s decision to reverse—in part—the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina’s order, which denied a preliminary injunction in the case, NAACP v. McCroy.  The NAACP, along with other civil rights organizations, sued the State after they passed sweeping legislation with the potential to disenfranchise tens of thousands of North Carolinians. With the Fourth Circuit’s ruling, North Carolina residents can once again participate in same-day registration and have their ballots counted in the event they inadvertently vote in an incorrect precinct.

Despite this victory, however, we remain concerned that the Court’s decision to uphold some of the more egregious portions of the law, including eliminating a week of early voting and expanding voter challenges will continue to disproportionately affect the democratic process for  communities of color, students, and elderly North Carolinians.

Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President and CEO:
“The decision in the Fourth Circuit concerning the state of North Carolina’s attempt to thwart democracy for tens of thousands of North Carolinians is merely one battle won in the long march for unrestrained access to the ballot box for the citizens of North Carolina.  The NAACP will continue the fight against the disenfranchisement of our most vulnerable voters in North Carolina and throughout the United States. Our courts will continue to be an indispensable weapon of our arsenal in this battle for the most beloved of our Democratic freedoms, our voting rights. Rev. William J. Barber, III, the North Carolina State Conference, and our attorneys are to be commended for waging this battle for so long so well.”

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, North Carolina State Conference:
“The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision is a victory for voting rights in North Carolina.  Our efforts are directed toward maximizing the participation of people of color, the young and the old and to restore North Carolina as a leading force in promoting full political participation by its citizens.”

Marshall W. Taylor, NAACP Interim General Counsel:
“This is a victory for our North Carolina State Conference and the citizens of North Carolina.  We will continue to work with the North Carolina State Conference to ensure that all people are able to exercise their fundamental right to vote—the right upon which all other rights rest.”