RICHMOND — In the wake of today’s antidemocratic and destructive decision from the Supreme Court of Virginia, Kelly Hall, Executive Director of the Fairness Project, issued the following statement:
“Today’s decision is a deeply concerning one, not just for Virginia voters, but for all Americans who care about the state of our endangered democracy. Across the commonwealth, more than three million voters participated in a free and fair election, yet today, a handful of jurists decided to supplant the will of the people with their individual preferences.
“Decisions like this are precisely why voters across the country have turned to the ballot measure process to pass legislation and make meaningful decisions for themselves. Because far too often, politicians and political appointees believe that they – not the voters – know what’s best.
“Despite the clear choice of Virginia voters – and in willful ignorance of the United States Supreme Court’s horrifying decision to eviscerate what remained of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 – Virginia’s Supreme Court chose to rule against the people of the commonwealth. By this act, the court has placed itself unquestionably on the wrong side of history.
“This fight is not over, because the fight for a free and democratic society is one that never ends. While today’s decision will make the road ahead a difficult one to travel, we must as citizens commit to voting this fall in such great numbers that no spin, no frivolous litigation, and no gerrymandering can resist the will of the people.”