NAACP Virginia State Conference Confronts Jim Crow Disinformation in Redistricting Referendum Affecting Black Voters

Today, the NAACP Virginia State Conference addressed disinformation
and voter suppression targeting Black voters. The NAACP Virginia State Conference
supports the amendment and denounces attempts to discourage Black voters from
voting yes. Voters should be wary of misleading mailers and of leaders’ quotes
taken out of context. Democracy
and Justice PAC, a MAGA-led group, misuses quotes by President Barack Obama
and Governor Abigail Spanberger to confuse and disenfranchise Black voters.

Rev. Cozy Bailey, Sr., NAACP Virginia State
Conference President, issued the following statement:

“As we stand here on this significant day – April Fool’s
Day – I urge you not to be fooled by the misinformation that seeks to undermine
our rights, particularly in the realm of redistricting. Today, we confront a legacy that echoes the Jim Crow
era—disinformation designed to sow confusion and suppress the voices of Black
voters. We are here to affirm that we will not be deterred; we will fight back.

 Redistricting is not merely a political maneuver; it is a
constitutional imperative that occurs every ten years, following the census. It
is a necessary process to ensure fair representation in our democracy. Yet, we
have seen how this process can be manipulated for political gain. We witnessed
President Trump’s administration usurp the Constitution in states like North
Carolina, Texas, and Missouri, redrawing district lines to gain an unfair
advantage in the midterm elections. This blatant power grab must serve as a
wake-up call for all of us.

 Virginia has no choice but to respond—to protect our
democracy and ensure that every voice is heard. The NAACP stands unequivocally
in support of the Redistricting Referendum, a vital step toward safeguarding
our voting rights. We believe that this referendum is essential for creating a
fair and equitable electoral process that truly represents the diverse voices
of our communities.

 We are here today to call upon all Virginians to vote yes
for this referendum. Together, we can dismantle the barriers that have been
erected to silence us. This is not just about redistricting; it is about our
fundamental right to vote, to be represented, and to have our voices matter.

 Let us stand united against the disinformation that seeks
to mislead and divide us. The fight for justice is not just a battle for today;
it is a commitment to our future generations. We owe it to them to ensure that
they inherit a system that values and respects their voices.

 I urge you all to remain vigilant, to educate yourselves
and others about the importance of this referendum, and to advocate fiercely
for the rights of Black voters in Virginia. Together, we can overcome the
challenges we face. Let us be the change we wish to see in our democracy.”

Gaylene Kanoyton, NAACP Virginia State Conference
Political Action Chair, issued the following
statement:

“Misleading mailers often
misuse quotes from leaders like President Obama and Governor Spanberger, with
dates buried in small print—many taken out of context. On this April Fools’
Day, don’t be misled into voting NO. Virginia can lead the way to a fair
election in November.”

 Early Voting is now until April 18, 2026. Election Day is
Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Verify quotes, check for disclaimers, and report
discrepancies to the Voter Protection Hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

 The NAACP Virginia State Conference is telling voters, “Don’t
Guess. Vote Yes.”

To access a recording of President Bailey’s statement, click here.