NAACP Responds to Virginia Governor's Illegal Voter Purge Program, Urges SCOTUS To Follow the Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, [email protected]

October 29, 2024

WASHINGTON - Yesterday, Virginia state election officials requested the Supreme Court to block a ruling by a federal judge that would bar them from reviving an unlawful voter purge program that would prevent naturalized citizens from voting. The program, which was responsible for purging more than 1,600 registered Virginia voters, was put in place by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in August and was later struck down.

Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, made the following statement upon learning of the appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court:

"The voter purges here are textbook examples of attempted voter suppression and intimidation. Those behind the false allegations that saturate the Commonwealth's case seek to frighten those they consider their constituents by sounding xenophobic and racist dog whistles. That same message is being repeated throughout our nation in this election cycle. They are playing a dangerous game designed to undermine the public's confidence in the entire democratic process."

The President of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP, Cozy Bailey, released the following statement in anticipation of the Supreme Court's ruling:

"As the Supreme Court considers the appeal of Beals v. Virginia Coalition of Immigrant Rights, the NAACP urges them to follow the law. This case has proven what we already know to be true - Governor Youngkin and his political cronies think winning is more important than democracy. As did their predecessors who passed and enforced Jim Crow laws, they will do and say anything to try to stop people of color from voting. They now appear to be targeting naturalized citizens, who are legally allowed to vote. We cannot be silenced. As we do in every election, Black Virginians will show up. We will ensure our voices are heard. This is not the end. It's just the beginning."

Virginia residents have the following options available to them:

• The General Assembly approved legislation for Same Day Registration, Same Day Vote which provides the ability to register at any time, up to and including Election Day.
• Early voting in Virginia runs through November 2nd.
• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. Even those who are not registered or have been wrongfully removed from the voting rolls are able to register at the polls and cast a provisional ballot.

For more information, including voter guides, polling location information, and tools to make a voting plan, visit our website at naacp.org/vote.

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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.