NAACP Condemns Virginia Supreme Court Ruling That Ignores Will of Voters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 8, 2026

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RICHMOND, Va. - The NAACP condemns the Virginia Supreme Court's decision to disregard the will of the Commonwealth's residents who voted yes on the temporary redistricting referendum. The ruling overturns a democratic victory achieved just weeks ago, when Virginians narrowly approved the measure to create fairer congressional maps.

The NAACP mobilized voters across the Commonwealth, contacting more than 150,000 Black voters in support of the measure. The Association released the following statement:

"In a democracy, voters get to decide. Tragically, their voices were silenced today. The Virginia Supreme Court's decision rejects the will of the people," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "Our volunteers made calls to 80,000 voters, knocked on doors across the Commonwealth, and fought back against an ocean of disinformation to ensure that Virginia and the nation could fight back against harmful policies. The Court has silenced the voice of the voters. This is a dark day for democracy in Virginia, but we will not back down."

After Virginians approved a temporary redistricting referendum, a Tazewell County Circuit Court judge blocked the certification of the vote, calling the amendment and the ballot language used to pass it unconstitutional.

Rev. Cozy Bailey, President of the NAACP Virginia State Conference, added: "The people spoke clearly on April 21. They said yes to leveling the playing field for the November midterms and yes to accountability. But the Court turned its back on every Virginian who stood in line, who made a plan, and who cast a ballot. This ruling is an assault on our voting power, but we will continue our fight for a better democracy."

The NAACP remains committed to defending the right to vote and ensuring that every American has an equal voice in our democracy. The Association is activating communities across the Commonwealth to resist this ruling and will explore all legal and legislative avenues to restore the will of the voters. 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.