GA Judge Rules in Favor of NAACP Demand to Halt Controversial Hand-Count Rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, [email protected]

WASHINGTON - Late last night, Judge Robert McBurney in Fulton County, Georgia handed down a ruling that enjoined election officials from moving forward with a controversial, new "Hand-Count Rule" that would require the hand counting of ballots when polls close on November 5. The ruling comes after the NAACP and its partners filed a motion to intervene, claiming that the new rule was the "latest overreach by the State Elections Board" to "undermine the upcoming election."

NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson reacted with the following statement:

"The NAACP is proud to see this judge follow the law and hand down a ruling that is aligned with the National Voting Rights Act. But make no mistake, this is not the end. Across the country, radicalized politicians are attempting to subvert the law in order to suppress votes. We're not backing down. That's why the NAACP is currently litigating more than 10 election-related cases, 3 of which are in Georgia. We won't stop until every vote is counted and every voice is heard."

The NAACP is currently litigating nearly a dozen election-related cases across the country, three of which are filed in the state of Georgia.

"Yesterday's historic early voter turnout and this important ruling should serve as a reminder - nothing will stop the Black vote,"said Gerald Griggs, President, Georgia State Conference of the NAACP." Year after year, the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP works tirelessly to educate, engage, and mobilize our community while protecting our access to the ballot box. This year is no different. The fight for our freedom knows no boundaries, and we're prepared to utilize every resource at our disposal to protect our progress and advance our vision for the future."

Ahead of Election Day, the Association is spending $20 million dollars to mobilize more than 14.5 million voters. To learn more about our work, visit naacp.org/vote.

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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.

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