NAACP Files Brief in Support of Virginians after State Supreme Court Nullifies Redistricting Referendum

RICHMOND, Va. — Today, NAACP and Advancement Project filed an amicus brief on behalf of the millions of Virginians who voted in the April 21 election on the temporary redistricting referendum.  

On Friday, the Virginia Supreme Court upheld a ruling from a Tazewell County Circuit Court judge that blocked certification of the election results and ruled that the entire election was ineffective because of apurported technical defect related to the timing of the vote. 

The nullification of the April 21 election negated the will of the people. More than 3.1 million Virginians voted in that election. The NAACP mobilized voters across the Commonwealth and contacted over 150,000 Black voters in support of the measure. The amicus brief points out that more than 3.1 million Virginia voters voted in favor of the referendum. Upholding the Virginia Supreme Court ruling would result in mass voter disenfranchisement on a grand scale. To reach this outcome, the Virginia Supreme Court adopted an anomalous and unprecedented definition of the word "election" that conflicts with both state and federal law. 

"The NAACP will not stand by idly in the face of this blatant attempt to overrule the will of Virginia voters," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "Our volunteers made calls to 80,000 voters, knocked on doors across the Commonwealth to ensure Virginians have the right to elect who they'd like to represent them. The people have spoken, and we'll fight to make sure they're heard."     

"Disinformation and misinformation tried to confuse us with flyers, mailers, and billboards designed to sow doubt and silence Black voters," said Rev. Cozy Bailey, President of the NAACP Virginia State Conference. "They lost. Now they're crying foul to try to undo what the people decided. Virginia voters spoke clearly last month, and we will fight every attempt to overturn their voice. We will not allow our voices to be silenced at the ballot box.  

"Virginia voters spoke loud and clear in April's special election," said John Powers, Legal Director of Advancement Project, which is co-counsel with the NAACP. "The will of the people should be respected and their ballots should not be thrown out. The Virginia General Assembly complied with state and federal law in passing the redistricting referendum measure and presenting it to the voters." 

Click here to read the full amicus brief.   

The NAACP condemned the Virginia Supreme Court's decision to uphold the lower court's ruling, disregarding the will of the Commonwealth's residents who voted yes on the temporary redistricting referendum. Nevertheless, the NAACP remains committed to defending the right to vote and ensuring that every American has an equal voice in our democracy. Ahead of the midterm elections, the NAACP will mount an even larger mobilization campaign to send voters in droves to the polls to elect leaders who will respect their voices. To learn more or get involved, visit naacp.org. 
 

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About 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.* 

About Advancement Project  

Advancement Project is a next-generation, multi-racial civil rights organization. Rooted in the great human rights struggles for equality and justice, we exist to fulfill America's promise of a caring, inclusive, and just democracy. We use innovative tools and strategies to strengthen social movements and achieve high-impact policy change. Visit www.advancementproject.org to learn more.