Attorney General Jay Jones said on Mar. 17 that he is concerned about deceptive mailers targeting Black voters regarding Virginia’s redistricting referendum.
The issue matters because the mailers reportedly use imagery from the Civil Rights Movement and references to Jim Crow, raising concerns about misinformation and the exploitation of historical struggles for voting rights.
Jones said, “As Virginia’s first Black Attorney General, I take very seriously the history that is being invoked in these mailers. Reports indicate that a group opposing the redistricting referendum has sent materials to Black voters that misuse imagery from the Civil Rights Movement and even invoke Jim Crow while falsely suggesting the measure threatens Black representation.”
He continued, “My parents and grandparents lived through the reality of Jim Crow in Virginia. They experienced firsthand what it meant when the law and the political system were used to silence Black voices. That history is not a political prop, and it should never be exploited in a misleading attempt to confuse voters.”
Jones also said, “Virginians deserve honest information about the choices before them. Invoking the pain and sacrifice of the civil rights movement while spreading misleading claims about this referendum disrespects the very people who fought to secure the right to vote and have their voices heard.”
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs, as indicated on the official website. The office provides legal counsel and representation to state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights, as detailed on its official website. Miyares holds the position as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia, according to its official website.
The Attorney General serves all residents across Virginia according to its official website, addressing issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy as reported by its official website. The office also offers consumer protection resources for identity theft and fraud reporting as noted on its official website.
Looking ahead, Jones’s statement highlights ongoing concerns about voter information integrity during elections. The response underscores efforts by his office to ensure fair access to accurate information for all Virginians.
