NAACP unveils fresh data targeting 14.5 million Black voters following historic presidential debate

NAACP President & CEO: “Make no mistake, our lives depend on our votes.”

During a September 13, 2024 press briefing, the NAACP unveiled its first round of polling results outlining the attitudes and issue priorities of millions of infrequent Black voters. The research, in partnership with Hart Research and HIT Strategies, is part of the Association’s multi-million dollar civic engagement program targeting 14.5 million voters across 12 priority states where the Black community holds significant electoral power.

NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, shared the following statement:

“This election season, we’ve witnessed a surge of enthusiasm among Black voters that we haven’t seen in some time. But we cannot be distracted – there are still voters to be reached. Make no mistake, our lives depend on our votes. This November, casting our ballots will be more than just us exercising our right to vote – it is the key to the future of our culture, and our community. The NAACP is proud to continue leading the advocacy community as we invest in understanding and engaging those often overlooked. Every vote matters and every voice needs to be heard this November. Let’s take this to the polls.”

Key takeaways include:

• Over half of Black voters say the highest priority for our elected leaders should be protecting our rights and freedoms (53%), compared to addressing economic concerns (40%), and addressing other issues (7%).
• Economic concerns related to inflation are the most frequently cited unaided priorities for our elected leaders to address, with essentials of daily life, including the cost of food and groceries, housing, and utilities being the biggest economic stressors.
• Most (78%) Black voters are feeling the same, or more excited than when President Obama first ran, with more than half (56%) being more excited now than in 2008.

“As part of our massive civic engagement program, we’re targeting both frequent and low propensity voters, especially those in densely populated Black communities,” said Phaedra Jackson, NAACP Vice President of Unit Advocacy and Effectiveness. ” Our latest research will not only help us to understand and reach black voters, but will inform GOTV initiatives across the country . The soul of this nation is on the ballot in November. We want Black communities to understand what’s at stake and take action.”

The full recording and research study document can be made available upon request. A full recording of the call can be accessed here.

Source: NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.