WASHINGTON – Today, the NAACP applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to preserve access to mail voting and reject efforts to restrict a voting method relied upon by roughly one-third of American voters.
The Court’s decision protects access to a longstanding, safe and trusted part of the United States’ electoral system and ensures that millions of voters – including elderly Americans, voters with disabilities, rural communities, military families, and working people – can continue to exercise their right to vote during the upcoming midterm elections.
“This decision is a big victory for voters this midterm election season,” said Kristen Clarke, NAACP General Counsel. “The Supreme Court rightly rejected an effort that would have made it harder for millions of Americans to participate in our elections. Mail voting is safe, secure, and deeply rooted in our nation’s history. The Court’s decision preserves a critical pathway to the ballot box and reaffirms that our democracy works best when every eligible voter can participate. We will continue to use every tool available to support Americans in registering their voices and their ballots this midterm election cycle.”
The NAACP noted that attempts to restrict mail voting would have disproportionately harmed Black voters, who are more likely to rely on mail voting because of longstanding inequities in access to transportation, polling locations, flexible work schedules, and other resources that facilitate in-person voting. The Supreme Court’s decision follows the amicus brief filed by the NAACP in defense of mail-in voting.
Regardless of the Trump Administration’s attempts to limit access to the ballot box, the NAACP will continue its voter mobilization efforts including voter education, voter protection, and election monitoring ahead of the midterm elections in November.
About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
