We’re Not Going Backwards
Since our founding in 1909, the NAACP has stood on the frontlines defending voting rights. Last year, when Question 7 appeared on Nevada's ballot – proposing mandatory photo ID for in-person voting and additional verification for mail ballots – we recognized the resurrection of old Jim Crow tactics intended to strip away the wins of our foremothers and forefathers.
The NAACP's history is intertwined with the struggle for voting rights. We fought against poll taxes and literacy tests. We’ve stood alongside brave Americans who risked everything to register voters during Freedom Summer. We helped secure the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965. This legacy isn't just history – it's our ongoing responsibility. When we see measures like Question 7, we recognize them for what they are: modern iterations of barriers that have historically kept Black Americans and other marginalized communities from the ballot box.
Nevada's existing voting system already has robust security measures. We use signature verification which, in many instances, is the most secure vehicle to ensure we have fair, safe and accurate elections. What Question 7 would actually do is create unnecessary obstacles for:
Elderly Nevadans who may no longer have driver's licenses.
Particularly Black and brown seniors that may not readily have access to their birth certificates.
Rural tribal community members living far from DMV offices.
Working-class families who can't afford to take time off to secure additional documentation.
Voters with disabilities who face compounded barriers.
These aren't hypothetical concerns. In states that have implemented similar restrictions, voter participation has measurably declined – particularly in communities of color.
For over a century, the NAACP has understood that voting rights are the foundation of all civil rights. When some can't vote, their needs are easily ignored by those in power. That's why defeating Question 7 isn't just another political issue – it's central to our mission. The NAACP brings unique credibility, experience, and moral authority to this fight because we've been waging it since our inception.
The NAACP Las Vegas is working alongside our strongest partners to develop a winning campaign to protect voting rights and voting access in our state. If you’ve been looking for ways to fight back against the extremism that we’ve been seeing out of Washington then you should join our Political Action committee. You can sign up by clicking here.
In the coming months, we’re focusing our attention to ensuring that Nevada remains a state where every eligible voter can make their voice heard without unnecessary barriers. This is our responsibility to both our ancestors who fought for these rights and to future generations.
In solidarity and strength,
QM
