Category Archives: News

ALBEMARLE-CHARLOTTESVILLE NAACP STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF MR. GEORGE FLOYD

NEWS ​ RELEASE Saturday, May 30, 2020

NAACP BRANCH STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF MR. GEORGE FLOYD

Charlottesville, VA. – ​The Albemarle- Charlottesville Branch of the NAACP aligns itself with those who express outrage and call for justice in the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd while in the custody of law enforcement officers.

It is becoming increasingly painful as we continue to view, much too often, videos of inhumane treatment of our African American men, and an increasing number of African American women.

Reasonable people have to ask- why are these killings happening with such frequency? If the truth were told, historically, the killing of Blacks at the hands of law enforcement officers is nothing new. With the advancement of technology, the world is now aware of what has been ongoing for many years. When there is no accountability for acts of injustice, unnecessary disposal of Black lives will continue.

Our communities are saddened and angry, but we must be strategic and measured. We must insist on and support legislation that will address these issues as we continue to battle such grave injustices.

The NAACP does not condone violence, but we do encourage people to fight politically by voting!

Janette Boyd Martin, President
Albemarle-Charlottesville NAAC

VOTING ACCESS – VIRGINIA

Governor Northam Signs Sweeping New Laws to Expand Access to Voting

Legislation expands early voting, makes Election Day a state holiday

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam has signed landmark new laws to repeal Virginia’s voter ID law, make Election Day a state holiday in Virginia, and expand access to early voting.

“Voting is a fundamental right, and these new laws strengthen our democracy by making it easier to cast a ballot, not harder,” said Governor Northam. “No matter who you are or where you live in Virginia, your voice deserves to be heard. I’m proud to sign these bills into law.”

Governor Northam signed these bills:

  • House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 111, sponsored by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring and Senator Janet Howell, respectively, allow early voting 45 days prior to an election without a stated excuse. Virginia currently requires voters who wish to vote absentee to provide the state with a reason, from an approved list, why they are unable to vote on Election Day.
  • House Bill 19 and Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Delegate Joe Lindsey and Senator Mamie Locke, respectively, remove the requirement that voters show a photo ID prior to casting a ballot. Voter ID laws disenfranchise individuals who may not have access to photo identification, and disproportionately impact low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.  
  • House Bill 108 and Senate Bill 601, sponsored by Delegate Joe Lindsey and Senator Louise Lucas, respectively, make Election Day a state holiday, which will help ensure every Virginian has the time and opportunity to cast their ballot. In order to maintain the same number of state holidays, this measure repeals the current Lee-Jackson Day holiday, established over 100 years ago to honor Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
  • House Bill 235 and Senate Bill 219, sponsored by Delegate Joshua Cole and Senator David Marsden, respectively, implement automatic voter registration for individuals accessing service at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or the DMV website.
  • House Bill 1678, sponsored by Delegate Joe Lindsey, extends in-person polling hours from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

“We need more access to the ballot box, not less,” said Senator Louise Lucas. “I am so proud to be a part of new laws that expand access to voting and make our Commonwealth more representative of the people we serve. Today is an historic day.”

“Our democracy relies on equal access to the ballot box,” said House Majority Leader Charniele Herring. “I’m grateful to the Governor for his partnership in breaking down barriers to voting, and ensuring all Virginians have the opportunity to exercise this fundamental right.”

“Virginia’s photo ID law was designed to make it more difficult to vote,” said Delegate Joe Lindsey. “It is past time we repealed this law, and I’m grateful to the Governor for helping us get it done.”

ABSENTEE VOTING IN VIRGINIA

Absentee Voting

The Virginia Department of Elections encourages voters to protect their health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Voting absentee in the coming local May elections is strongly encouraged. Voters may choose reason “2A My disability or illness” for Absentee voting in the May 2020 elections due to COVID-19. Voters who choose the absentee option should do so as soon as possible so they can get their ballots in time to return them by mail by Election Day. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: Vote.elections.virginia.gov/Voterinformation