Civil Rights Leaders Denounce Passage of Georgia Senate Bill 202 as “Pure Voter Suppression”

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Mar 27, 2021

NEW YORK (March 26, 2021) – The National Urban League, the National Action Network and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation issued the following statement:

We must call this bill what it is: pure voter suppression. The Georgia legislators, Governor Brian Kemp, and Senate Bill 202 are firmly on the wrong side of history. The coordinated effort to force this restrictive bill onto the people of Georgia is a devastating reminder that we have not yet moved beyond the dark history of voter suppression in this country.

It is also clear that the officials who pushed this bill forward did so as a direct response to the massive turnout in cities, including Atlanta, that helped to determine the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election and two U.S. Senate races. Unable to win at the ballot box in fair and free elections, these officials are intent on ensuring that fewer voters have access to the franchise and intent on overturning elections if they lose at that ballot box.

The National Urban League and the broader Civil Rights community will stand together and will not stand idly by to let this happen without responding. Just as we have in the past, we will continue our fight in the courts and in the street — for the people.

As the late, Honorable Congressman John Lewis said, “your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” Protecting access to the ballot is the surest path for voters to determine their future, protect their rights, seek equal treatment in economic and social life and hold their leaders accountable. With the passage of SB 202, it is clear that our work continues in the great state of Georgia and throughout the country.

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National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality or gender. For more information go to www.nationalactionnetwork.net.

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), founded in 1976, is one of the most active civil rights and social justice organizations in the nation “dedicated to increasing civic engagement, economic and voter empowerment in Black America.” The Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) is the women and girls empowerment arm of the NCBCP. At the forefront of championing just and equitable public policy on behalf of Black women, BWR promotes their health and wellness, economic security & prosperity, education and global empowerment as key elements for success. Visit www.ncbcp.org and follow us on Twitter @ncbcp and Instagram @thenationalcoalition.

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 90 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague.