Lifelong Virginian Among 1,600 Voters to Have Registrations Canceled

Virginia’s Statewide Voter Purge

The Virginia Department of Elections (SBE) recently removed 1,600 voters from the rolls, including a lifelong Virginian.

The SBE stated that the voters were removed because they failed to respond to a confirmation notice mailed to them. The notice asked voters to confirm their current address and voter status.

However, some voters claim that they never received the confirmation notice, while others say they returned the notice but were still removed from the rolls.

Voter Suppression Concerns

The mass removal of voters has raised concerns about voter suppression.

Voting rights advocates argue that the SBE’s actions are part of a larger effort to make it harder for people to vote, particularly people of color and low-income voters.

They point to other recent changes in Virginia’s voting laws, such as the requirement for voters to provide a photo ID and the reduction in the number of early voting days, as evidence of this effort.

SBE’s Defense

The SBE has defended its actions, saying that it is required by law to remove voters from the rolls who do not respond to confirmation notices.

The SBE also says that it has taken steps to ensure that all voters have an opportunity to vote, such as by providing online voter registration and early voting options.

Ongoing Investigation

The Virginia NAACP has filed a lawsuit challenging the SBE’s actions. The lawsuit alleges that the SBE is violating the Voting Rights Act.

The lawsuit is ongoing, and it is unclear when a decision will be reached.

Conclusion

The mass removal of voters from the rolls in Virginia has raised concerns about voter suppression.

The SBE has defended its actions, but a lawsuit challenging the SBE’s actions is ongoing.