Defend The Vote Action Fund Executive Director Brian Lemek released the following statement on the Virginia Supreme Court’s redistricting decision.
“The Virginia Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a voter-approved redistricting referendum is an outrageous assault on the will of the people and another dangerous escalation in the nationwide campaign to take power away from the people.
“Virginia voters spoke clearly at the ballot box. They approved a lawful democratic process to ensure fairer representation at a moment when Republicans across the country are aggressively redrawing maps to protect their grip on power, even when they lose public support. They are locking out voters, particularly in Black and brown communities, from meaningful representation.
“Instead of respecting the voice of the electorate, the court stepped in and nullified the decision after the fact. When courts overturn the expressed will of voters, it undermines faith in democracy itself. Americans deserve a system where voters choose their representatives, not one where politicians and courts decide which voters are entitled to having their voices heard.
“Defend The Vote will continue fighting for a democracy where every voter’s voice matters equally, election outcomes are respected, and political power belongs to the people — not extreme partisans or special interests.”