RALEIGH, NC – The NAACP North Carolina State Conference is troubled over the announcement made by GOP lawmakers, including Sen. Ralph Hise, regarding their intention to introduce stricter rules for election procedures in our state. The recent consultation with lawyer Cleta Mitchell, known for her involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, raises serious questions about the motivations behind these proposed changes.
NAACP North Carolina President Deborah Maxwell said: “The involvement of Cleta Mitchell, who played a prominent role in attempts to undermine the democratic process, is deeply troubling. It raises doubts about the true intentions of these proposed election measures and threatens the integrity of our elections. We must ensure that any changes to election procedures prioritize fairness, transparency, and equal access to the ballot box for all North Carolinians.”
NAACP North Carolina Political Action Chair Matt Hughes added, “The lack of transparency surrounding the contents of the proposed bill is alarming. The vague references to ‘technical glitches’ and ‘data sharing issues’ leave room for potential voter disenfranchisement. We demand that GOP lawmakers immediately release the full details of the bill and engage in an open and inclusive dialogue with community leaders and civil rights organizations. The voices of all stakeholders must be heard to ensure that our election procedures remain fair, equitable, and protect the rights of all voters.”
The NAACP North Carolina State Conference emphasizes the importance of preserving and expanding the right to vote, which is the foundation of our democracy. Any changes to election procedures must be rooted in principles of accessibility, inclusivity, and the protection of every citizen’s right to participate in the electoral process.
The NAACP North Carolina State Conference calls on GOP lawmakers to provide full transparency by releasing the complete details of the proposed bill. We urge them to engage in meaningful dialogue with community leaders, civil rights organizations, and all stakeholders to ensure that any changes to election procedures are fair, just, and do not disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
The NAACP North Carolina State Conference remains vigilant in protecting the voting rights of all North Carolinians. We will closely monitor the developments surrounding this proposed legislation and stand ready to take action to safeguard the integrity of our democratic process.