FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012
For More Information: Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137
Mrs. Amina J. Turner, Executive Director, 919-682-4700
Atty. Jennifer Marsh, Legal Redress Coordinator, 919-682-4700
Statewide Redistricting Case to be Heard on Its Merits
We are encouraged today that the three judge panel in North Carolina refused to dismiss the statewide redistricting case, North Carolina NAACP v. North Carolina, and instead chose to hear the case on its merits. The judges denied the State's Motion to Dismiss in part and allowed the motion in part. The case will proceed on the majority of our claims including, the equal protection clause claims under both the North Carolina and United States Constitutions. It is important to note that claims are still moving forward in every district we challenged in the complaint including, Congressional Districts 1, 4, 10 and 12.
As this case moves forward, we continue to be concerned about the upcoming elections being held under the new redistricting maps. Voters need proper preparation and education in order to minimize confusion and disenfranchisement at the polls. We will continue to educate voters about the potential harms from the high number of split precincts and extensive changes in the new districts.
We continue this fight because we know the maps adopted by the General Assembly are a scheme to increase the political power of the ultra-conservative leadership in the General Assembly at the expense of the power of the African American vote. Once all the evidence is heard, we believe the court will ultimately find the newly adopted maps unconstitutional.
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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.
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