LDF Celebrates National Black Voter Registration Day

Read a PDF of our statement here.

Today, in recognition of National Black Voter Registration Day, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) issues a call to action, urging all eligible Black voters to register to vote or check their voter registration status ahead of the general election on November 5, 2024. The freedoms of our democracy were denied to generations of Black Americans. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 cleared obstacles erected to prevent Black people from exercising the right to vote, but aggressive attacks against that right persist. LDF is providing support to help ensure voters, especially young Black voters, are prepared to cast a ballot this year, and resources to make sure their voices are heard and ballots are counted.

Amir Badat, Manager of LDF's Black Voters on the Rise team, issued the following statement in celebration of National Black Voter Registration Day:

"As America's first civil rights legal organization, LDF has long been at the forefront of the fight to build Black political power. In the face of our longstanding history of voter suppression, Black voters have always fought for their ability to exercise one of the most fundamental rights of our democracy - the right to vote.

"Voters can vote for candidates who represent their beliefs and values on critical issues like reproductive rights, climate change, education, and housing. The stakes are high, and we must remain engaged to create a multi-racial democracy centered on freedom, justice, and equality.

"Through intergenerational engagement, voter empowerment, and public education, LDF is working with community partners to meet this moment by building capacity in the face of aggressive attacks on the rights of Black voters and other voters of color.

"We urge everyone eligible to register to vote, check your registration status, and make a voting plan today for this election season. If you are not registered to vote, need to check your registration, or need help making a voting plan, we invite you to visit us at ldf.vote today. We have resources available to help you engage in our democracy and make your voice heard!"

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Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation's first civil rights law organization. LDF's Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Please note that LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957-although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights.