WASHINGTON—In response to the U.S. Supreme Court on October 30 allowing Virginia to continue its purge of voters, NETWORK Deputy Executive Director & Chief Equity Officer Joan F. Neal said:

“Catholic Social Justice affirms every person’s freedom to participate in a vibrant democracy, especially, as a citizen, through the right to vote.  Yesterday, the Supreme Court turned its back on this most basic right in an unsigned, 6-3 decision that deeply disturbs NETWORK. By allowing Virginia to move forward with its last-minute purge of more than 1,600 people from voter rolls, the Court completely ignored a federal law, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, that forbids states from systematically removing voters from their rolls within 90 days of a federal election.

“Although the Court’s action is temporary until further legal proceedings occur, it will stay in place at least through the November elections.  Unless the illegally purged voters appear at a polling place on Election Day to apply for ‘same day’ registration, they will be blocked from exercising their sacred right to vote.  This is not only a violation of citizens’ right to vote, it is a moral failure on the part of the highest court in our land.

“If you are a voter in Virginia, you can check your voter registration status with your local registrar or at the Virginia Department of Elections website. If you were purged, or if you learn that you are not registered to vote when you get to your polling place, register via same-day registration and cast a provisional ballot. For assistance, call the voter protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE or 888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Espanol).

“NETWORK believes, along with the majority of people in this country, that voters have the right to choose their leaders – our leaders do not get to pick their voters.  As this year’s election goes forward, we join in the demand that election officials and the courts respect our right to cast our ballots, have them counted, and certify the results in order to protect our freedom to have a say in our futures and ensure that the will of We The People prevails.”

Founded by Catholic Sisters in 1972, NETWORK is an inclusive, national, Catholic advocacy organization open to all who share our values, working for justice and equity for everyone. For 52 years, NETWORK has educated, organized, and lobbied for federal policies that serve the common good and honor the dignity of all people.

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