News & Commentary

We look to Dr. King as a beacon of hope as we continue his work and the work of those who came before us to free all people from the shadows of oppression, so that all of us can breathe free and have a voice in our America.

Voting by no-excuse absentee ballot has been successful in other localities across the country. Adopting a true no-excuse absentee voting would simplify the process, increase voter participation, and help expand Virginians' access to cast their vote they deserve.

The Town of Richlands used its powers over land use planning to ban Mark Mullins from reading Tarot at his business. The ACLU of Virginia sued Richlands on behalf of Mr. Mullins, and as a result of a recent settlement, the town can no longer discriminate against Tarot reading shops.

It is time to join the 19 other states that have passed same-day registration and eliminate this unnecessary barrier to the ballot box. We need to make it easier for people to vote, and that starts with getting rid of voter registration deadlines that disproportionately silence communities of color.

On this Giving Tuesday, we at the ACLU of Virginia would like to say thank you. Thank you to each of our donors, members, partners, clients, and supporters. Thank you for your bravery, trust, and generosity. Each of you contributes to the impact we make and the forward progress we have created.

Being home with your loved ones during the holiday season should not be a privilege if you haven’t been convicted of a crime. Being treated with dignity and respect by the criminal legal system also should not be a privilege.

Voting in America is our fundamental right, not a privilege. It’s our duty to protect everyone’s voting rights by electing people who will work to end voter disenfranchisement.

Voting is our fundamental right as citizens, and everyone who is eligible to vote should have equal access to exercise their rights. However, there is a misconception that people who are confined in a jail or formerly incarcerated have lost that right completely.

For all the precautions to secure our privacy, the one device most of us never think about may be the most expensive and hardest to secure: our cars.