March 27, 2025 Story by: Editor
The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) has voiced its opposition to the proposed closure of the Chap and Agee voting precincts in Appomattox County. These precincts have the highest concentrations of Black voters in the county, with Chap at 36.7% and Agee at 24.4%.
They also hold the largest percentages of total racial minority voters, at 40.27% and 27.82%, respectively. The closures would disproportionately impact Black voters, forcing many to travel significantly longer distances—potentially up to 30 additional minutes by car or four hours on foot—to cast their ballots.
Virginia NAACP President Rev. Cozy Bailey issued a statement emphasizing the significance of voting rights:
“Voting is a fundamental right and the foundation of our democracy. All citizens of Appomattox County are entitled to have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process regardless of their race or ethnicity. Throughout our history, various tactics have been employed to limit access to the ballot, including precinct closures, voter ID laws, and other measures that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The proposed precinct closure plan, if enacted, would perpetuate these historical patterns and result in barriers to participation for Black voters in Appomattox County. We should work to make voting easier and more accessible, not create new obstacles to the ballot box.”
The Virginia NAACP is calling on the Board of Supervisors to find an alternative solution that protects the voting rights of all residents without placing undue burdens on Black and minority voters.
The organization sent a letter to the Board on February 18, detailing the potential negative consequences of the closures. Committed to safeguarding civil rights and social justice, the Virginia NAACP vows to continue advocating for fair and equal access to the ballot.
Source: NAACP Virginia State Conference
