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Supreme Court Sides with MAGA And Greenlights Virginia’s Voter Purge Program

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Lower courts, including a three-judge panel from the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, had previously blocked Virginia’s efforts, concluding that citizens may be mistakenly purged and noting that some registrations were removed without verified citizenship status. Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles emphasized that “none of the parties involved… knew for certain the citizenship status of the purged voters.”

Published

2 weeks ago

November 5, 2024

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By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

The Donald Trump and MAGA-influenced U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed Virginia to proceed with a program targeting the removal of suspected noncitizens from its voter registration rolls, in a decision made without commentary from the majority. Just days before the election, conservative justices supported the decision, which sparked sharp reactions from voting rights organizations and Democratic leaders who claim it may disenfranchise hundreds of eligible voters.

The program, implemented under Gov. Glenn Youngkin, directs election officials to purge voters flagged as potential noncitizens through Department of Motor Vehicles data, impacting roughly 1,600 registrations. While Governor Youngkin called the Court’s ruling a “victory for common sense and election fairness,” the program has faced opposition from the Biden administration and advocates, who argue it violates the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). This 1993 law prohibits “systematic” changes to voter rolls within 90 days of a federal election.

Lower courts, including a three-judge panel from the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, had previously blocked Virginia’s efforts, concluding that citizens may be mistakenly purged and noting that some registrations were removed without verified citizenship status. Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles emphasized that “none of the parties involved… knew for certain the citizenship status of the purged voters.”

Voting rights advocates contend that Virginia’s program targets lawful voters, including naturalized citizens and U.S.-born residents, at a critical point ahead of Election Day. The Campaign Legal Center (CLC), representing Virginia organizations in opposition to the purge, criticized the Court’s decision, citing flawed data and the disenfranchisement of eligible voters. “The Supreme Court allowing Virginia to engage in a last-minute purge that includes many known eligible citizens… is outrageous,” said CLC attorney Danielle Lange, who emphasized that all eligible Virginians can register on Election Day if needed.

Ryan Snow, counsel for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, highlighted the uncertainty and risks faced by affected voters, particularly those voting absentee. “The list of purged voters includes both new citizens and people born in the U.S., all of whom have the same sacred right to vote,” he noted. Snow urged voters to use Virginia’s same-day registration process if they find themselves removed from the rolls, stressing the availability of multilingual support hotlines for assistance.

The legal dispute has escalated amid national concerns about voting rights, with Republicans like former President Donald Trump promoting the purge as a way to prevent alleged noncitizen voting. However, documented instances of noncitizen voting remain rare; a recent Georgia audit found only nine noncitizens voting out of 8.2 million registrants.

Affected Virginians can confirm their registration status and re-register if necessary using the same-day registration process on Election Day. This process requires signing an eligibility affirmation and casting a provisional ballot. Officials from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law said any voters with questions should call or text the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE, or call one of the bilingual Election Protection hotlines at 888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish); 844-YALLA-US (Arabic); or 888-API-VOTE (Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Tagalog, Urdu, Vietnamese). The organization can check to see if voters are one of the 1600 people who were purged since August 7 and guide them on what steps they can take, including how to use the Same Day Registration process to cast their ballot.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org