North Carolina NAACP Takes Decisive Actions in Support of Voting Rights and Political Transparency

by Kathy Grear 04/21/2023

GREENSBORO, NC – Yesterday, the North Carolina NAACP executive committee met in Greensboro and took several decisive actions to advance civil rights in North Carolina and move the organization forward.

During the meeting, the executive committee unanimously passed two resolutions in support of voting rights and political transparency. North Carolina NAACP President Deborah Maxwell, said, “These resolutions reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting the voting rights of all citizens and ensuring that our elected officials are held accountable to their Black constituents.”

One of the resolutions expressed strong opposition to H.B. 304, the “Election Day Integrity Act,” which would impose new restrictions on voting in North Carolina. The resolution states that the proposed law would disproportionately impact Black voters, low-income voters, elderly voters, and voters with disabilities. The North Carolina NAACP called on the North Carolina General Assembly to reject the bill and to work towards expanding access to the ballot.

The second resolution condemned NC State Representative Tricia Cotham’s decision to switch parties, which the North Carolina NAACP views as a calculated move to deceive Black voters and other marginalized communities in her district. The North Carolina NAACP called on Rep. Cotham to clarify how she plans to advocate for the interests of Black voters and other marginalized communities.

The Executive Committee elected new vice presidents, each of whom brings regional and generational diversity in addition to prior experience as local branch presidents. Newly elected vice presidents are Rev. Kim E. Moss of Caldwell County as 2nd Vice President, Nicholas Green of Duplin County as 3rd Vice President, and Mary Degree of Cleveland County as 4th Vice President.

Courtney Patterson, North Carolina NAACP 1st Vice President said, “We are committed to moving forward and remaining focused on our mission to ensure civil rights for all North Carolinians. The election of these new officers represents our ongoing efforts to strengthen our organization by elevating grassroots leaders and expanding our reach across the state.”
Click to Download Resolutions
About the North Carolina NAACP

Founded in 1943, the North Carolina State Conference of NAACP Branches (North Carolina NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the North Carolina, overseeing the programmatic work of over 120 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. The North Carolina NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black North Carolinians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color.

New Poll: Majority of North Carolina Voters Feel Betrayed By Representative Tricia Cotham’s Party Switch 

Raleigh, North Carolina – Action NC, and Progress North Carolina Action, released a new survey with Public Policy Polling highlighting the impact of Representative Tricia Cotham’s party switch on North Carolina voters.

• 59% of North Carolina’s 112th District voters agree that Cotham’s decision to switch parties is a betrayal to voters.

“Like many in the Charlotte area, we were surprised to see Representative Tricia Cotham switch parties from Democrat to Republican just a few months after her election. With her party switch, we no longer know where Rep. Cotham stands on many critical issues,” explained Robert Dawkins, Political Director at Action NC, on a Friday press call.

In addition, when asked to choose between Tricia Cotham and a Democratic candidate in the next election, a majority of voters have made it clear that they do not trust Cotham, and will vote for a representative who will fight for their interests.

• 55% of voters say they are less likely to vote for Cotham next time, including 55% of independents.
• 56% of voters say they will support a Democratic candidate in the next election.