NAACP Condemns Lynchburg City Council’s Attempts to Suppress Early Voting for April 21, 2026 Redistricting Referendum

The NAACP Virginia State Conference unequivocally denounces any efforts by Lynchburg City Council or any locality to restrict, delay, or interfere with early voting for the April 21, 2026. Redistricting Referendum Special Election in Virginia. Early voting is not a political bargaining chip; it is a lawful and essential component of Virginia’s election system, serving as a critical safeguard for our fundamental right to vote.

“Early voting was signed into law to empower citizens, and any attempt to deny voters their right to participate is a blatant act of voter suppression,” stated Rev. Dr. Cozy Bailey, Sr., President of the NAACP Virginia State Conference. “There’s enough political football happening in the courts, and voting rights shouldn’t be at stake at this critical time in Virginia. The integrity of our democratic process is at stake.”

We strongly oppose any locality considering measures to reduce early voting hours, limit access, or impose administrative barriers designed to suppress turnout. Such actions not only undermine public confidence but also violate the spirit of the Voting Rights Act.

We urge all Virginia localities to fully comply with state law, uphold established voting opportunities, and ensure that every voter, particularly those historically targeted by suppression, can cast their ballot freely and without obstruction.

Early voting is scheduled to begin on March 6, 2026, at designated early voting locations. The NAACP Virginia State Conference will continue to stand firm, mobilizing, educating, and, when necessary, litigating to defend every Virginian’s right to be heard.