WHEREAS, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is committed to protecting the political rights of all citizens and ensuring that they are not misled or deceived by their elected officials;
WHEREAS, Representative Tricia Cotham’s decision to switch parties is particularly concerning because it came without warning or explanation, and has left many of her constituents confused and disheartened;
WHEREAS, Representative Tricia Cotham’s decision to switch parties appears to be a calculated move to deceive Black voters and other marginalized communities in her district, who may have been led to believe that she would continue to fight for their interests;
WHEREAS, Representative Tricia Cotham disenfranchised voters in her district by eliminating the rights of Black and Brown voters to choose a representative that aligns with their interests.
WHEREAS, Representative Tricia Cotham’s decision to switch parties immediately impacted the political landscape of North Carolina, leaving voting rights, women’s healthcare rights, public education funding, and other important issues in limbo within the state legislature.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina State Conference NAACP condemns Representative Tricia Cotham for her decision to switch parties, which appears to have been made without regard for the interests of Black voters and other marginalized communities in her district;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the North Carolina State Conference NAACP calls on Representative Tricia Cotham to publicly clarify how she plans to advocate for the interests of Black voters and other marginalized communities;
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls on all elected officials to be transparent and honest with their constituents about their political affiliations and to make every effort to protect the political rights of all citizens, regardless of their race, gender, or socio-economic status.
Adopted unanimously by the North Carolina State Conference NAACP Executive Committee on Saturday, April 15, 2023, in Greensboro, NC.