Statement from Rev. Cozy Bailey, President, NAACP Virginia State Conference, on Today’s Virginia Supreme Court Redistricting Ruling

Today, the Virginia Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the redistricting referendum—approved by 51% of the voters—represents a significant setback for democracy in our state. This ruling follows last week’s dismantling of vital protections in the Voting Rights Act, revealing a disturbing trend of attacks on our electoral rights.

In response to these challenges, the NAACP successfully reached 150,000 Black voters during the “Yes” campaign, dispelling disinformation and emphasizing the importance of fair representation.

President Rev. Dr. Cozy Bailey stated, “In the face of adversity, we stand united. This ruling is not merely an attack on redistricting; it is an affront to our fundamental rights as citizens. We will not be silenced. We will rise and fight for our democracy.”

We have faced challenges before and emerged stronger. This is not the end; it is a call to action. We must continue to organize, strategize, and mobilize our communities to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote counts. Our democracy demands our vigilance and our resilience.