DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Detroit NAACP is speaking out to reassure voters they'll be defending their voting rights on Election Day.
The Detroit NAACP is sending out a strong message: voter intimidation will not be tolerated and they're taking steps to protect voters' rights.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand," said Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president of the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP.
Anthony says Detroit voters must not and will not have their voices silenced in this upcoming election.
“We will not give up our right to vote," Anthony said. "These obstacles make us more determined to take our soles to the poles and vote. You can say our lives depend upon it because quite frankly they do.”
At the NAACP's Detroit headquarters, Anthony tells 7 Action News the civil rights organization is helping to provide transportation on Election Day, and will have lawyers ready to assist in the event people with or without guns come to the polls to intimidate others.
“We are prepared to stand up. We will oppose any suppression tactics used against people of Detroit and will prosecute anyone in violation of state and federal laws,” he said.
Along with having people at various polling locations in Detroit to monitor activities, and enlisting partnerships in the suburbs as well, Anthony says a hotline is set up to report anyone causing trouble at the polls.
That number is 313-664-2424, to report any voting issues.
Civil Rights Attorney Nabih Ayad adds that this election is unlike any other, and every vote must be counted.
“We are ready, willing and able to take on any case and sue to stop any intimidation," Ayad said. "We are ready to take on any of these challenges.”