Yvonne M. White                                                                                                                               Brandy Berry

President                                                                                                               Youth & College Div. President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                         October 31, 2008

Contact: Yvonne M. White.

              (313) 520-6144                                                               

NAACP LAUNCHES MASSIVE ELECTION PROTECTION CAMPAIGN

AND URGES VOTERS TO REPORT ANY PROBLEMS

Michigan – America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has launched a massive election protection campaign in Michigan for Election Day; Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

 “The right to vote is a fundamental right under the United States Constitution” says Yvonne White, State President.  “It is a right that millions of people have fought to protect and preserve since the birth of our democracy.  Accordingly, any interference with a citizen’s right to cast their ballot is illegal and the NAACP will be equipped to address any issue that may arise.”

The Michigan NAACP Election Protection team is hard at work across the state insuring that African Americans and other minorities are able to cast their ballot, and have their vote counted on Election Day. In fact, the national hotline is already receiving complaints of voter suppression.  NAACP election challengers and poll watchers have been trained and are prepared to work all day.

The Michigan State Conference NAACP joined the United States Students Association (USSA) and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan lawsuit against the Secretary of State to protect the right of voters purged off the voter files to remain registered in Michigan.  In a court ruling issued last week, the state was ordered to add back some 5,500 disenfranchised voters who were removed simply because their election notice was returned undeliverable.

NAACP Command Centers will be located in target areas and will house legal, media and public policy professionals, and volunteer teams.  Command Centers will be open all day on Election Day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The target areas are; Detroit, Albion, Battle Creek, Bay City, Flint, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb County, Muskegon, Pontiac, Saginaw, Southfield and Ypsilanti/Willow Run.  A complete listing can be found at www.michigannaacp.org.

-more-

            In the spirit of the 60’s “Freedom Rides,” the NAACP Youth and College Division will kick-off its “VOTE HARD” bus tour on November 3 to several Michigan colleges, universities and municipalities to rally and engage young adults.   The youth and college division will also coordinate rides home for students who are first-time voters in Michigan.  Interested students should call (313) 835-9671 for additional information.       

The NAACP believes the promise of this nation can be made real for all of us and it begins with voting. At the same time, the NAACP will not tolerate violence or tactics to suppress the vote. If you experience any problems at the polls or have questions before Nov. 4, for immediate assistance call 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-866-NAACP-MI. While the NAACP will do everything we can to ensure that your vote counts, the success of this effort is in your hands -- you must get out and vote!  

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization.  Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Tips for Election Day

1.    Don't wear any campaign gear to the polls. The polls are a "no campaigning" zone and someone could use your t-shirt or hat as an excuse to deny you your right to vote!

2.    Be prepared for a long wait, some precincts are expecting lines up to five hours long.  Bring water, food, a book to read, an ipod, a game, whatever you need to keep entertained through the wait. Don't get out of line, your vote is worth the wait.

3.    If you usually vote "straight Democrat" or "straight Republican, be aware that some states will not count your vote for President if you only use this option. So if you want to vote the ticket, punch your presidential candidate FIRST, then the "straight ticket" option.

4.    If you are in line before the poll closing time, you have the right to cast a vote. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

5.    If you have any trouble at the polls, call the NAACP's Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE or 866-NAACP-MI. Volunteers will be on hand to provide technical and legal assistance throughout the day.