NAACP Celebrates Virginia’s Vote to Defend the Country

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2026
Contact: [email protected]

RICHMOND, VA - On Tuesday, April 21, Virginia voters approved the redistricting referendum, delivering a decisive victory for democracy, accountable government, and the protection of Virginia's voting power.

The NAACP celebrates this historic outcome and extends its deepest gratitude to the voters of Virginia, who once again showed up for themselves, for their communities, and for the future of this country. This victory belongs first and foremost to the organizers and the voters who made it possible. The NAACP Civic Engagement team and the Virginia State Conference ran one of the most comprehensive and coordinated voter mobilization programs in recent NAACP history, where we mobilized over 150,000 Black voters to the polls. Our efforts included recruiting and training NAACP volunteers to phone bank and knocking on doors, convening statewide voter education town halls, organizing faith communities and college campuses, fighting back against a coordinated disinformation campaign, and protecting the right to vote through our voter protection efforts.

"Virginia proved what we have always known, that organized communities win," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "The voters of Virginia didn't just vote for the redistricting referendum. They chose accountability. They cast their votes for a democracy that works for everyone, not just the powerful few. Congratulations to every Virginian who voted Yes, who organized, who knocked on a door, who made a call, and who refused to be fooled by the lies that were targeted at their community. You showed up for Virginia. You showed up for America. We will never forget it."

Rev. Cozy Bailey, President of the NAACP Virginia State Conference, called the result a testament to the power of organized Black communities.

"They sent lies to our doors," said Rev. Bailey. "They tried to confuse us, discourage us, and keep us home. But we came anyway and in numbers that could not be ignored. Today, Virginia has a message for every extremist lawmaker in this country who thinks they can rig the rules and silence our communities: we see you, and we defy you."

The referendum's passage is a landmark moment in the national fight against partisan gerrymandering. As extremist lawmakers have redrawn maps in five states to limit voting power ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Virginia has now demonstrated that organized communities can fight back - and win. The NAACP will carry Virginia's model into mid-decade redistricting fights across the country, using this campaign as a blueprint for driving Black voter turnout in the midterm election cycle, where the Black electorate will have the most impact in November.

# # #

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.