FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2024

Contact: Nimrod Chapel, Jr., President@monaacp.org

Missouri NAACP Statement on Protecting the Vote In Light of National Presidential Choices

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - As the changes to the Presidential Ticket create uncertainty about the upcoming elections. The Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, under the leadership of President Nimrod Chapel, Jr., is closely monitoring the national electoral process and voting in Missouri, and urging every citizen to exercise their right to vote. 

Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. announced that he would step aside from his re-election campaign to focus on his presidential duties, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 47th President of the United States. In response, NAACP National President & CEO Derrick Johnson emphasized the organization's ongoing efforts to galvanize the Black vote and advance policies that benefit the community.

"As we approach the November elections, it is more important than ever to ensure that our voices are heard. The NAACP is all in on educating, engaging, and mobilizing voters. We must remain united in defending democracy and determining our futures," said Johnson.

While the Presidential ballot options may be in chaos, the importance of voting this year has not changed. The August 6, 2024 ballot contains a number of state and local primary races and a critical Constitutional Amendment that, if passed, would take away the right of the local elected government of Kansas City to control its own budget. The outcome of many of the primary elections will determine the next State Representative or State Senator in that area before the November election. This is not an election to skip.

The November 5, 2024 ballot is likewise full of questions that go well beyond who the next President of the United States will be. We are choosing the Secretary of State who determines the rules for future elections, the Governor who determines whether we continue to execute people at the highest rate in the world, and almost half of the seats in the Missouri General Assembly will be held by brand new State Representatives. The critical nature of these races is why the Missouri NAACP continues to litigate to overturn photo identification laws that reject forms of identification that are accepted in every other context. 

President Chapel stated, "The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. It is the right that ensures we get to keep all the others. Voting is a duty that we strongly encourage all citizens to perform. We will fight to make sure no one takes away their opportunity to do so, whether it be elected officials or people trying to disrupt the process."

The NAACP is dedicated to ensuring that all voters in Missouri have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process without undue hardship. We urge all citizens to stay informed and proactive in protecting and exercising their voting rights. The organization is mobilizing resources and volunteers to educate and assist voters in navigating the upcoming elections. For more information or to get involved, please visit naacp.org/volunteer.

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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.