Civil rights imagery in anti-redistricting mailers draws outrage in Virginia
A political action committee opposing Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum is facing sharp criticism after sending mailers to voters over the weekend that invoke imagery and language from the civil rights movement — a tactic voting rights advocates and state officials say distorts history and risks misleading voters.
The mailers, distributed by a group called Democracy and Justice PAC, led by former GOP Delegate A.C. Cordoza, feature black-and-white imagery reminiscent of 1960s civil rights demonstrations. One piece shows a photograph of a large march, with protesters, many of them Black, carrying signs as they walk down a city street.
Across the top, bold lettering reads: “Our ancestors fought to represent us.” Beneath the image, the mailer claims: “Now Richmond politicians are trying to take our districts away.”
The piece then urges recipients to “Vote No and return your ballot immediately to ensure your voice is heard!” and includes a disclaimer stating it was “Paid for by Justice for Democracy.”
https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/09/civil-rights-imagery-in-anti-redistricting-mailers-draws-outrage-in-virginia/