A federal court today approved a partial settlement to remove Virginia’s witness requirement for voters who believe their health would be at risk due to COVID-19 if forced to comply.

Following a lawsuit brought by the ACLU and ACLU of Virginia, the state of Virginia has reached a partial settlement agreement to remove the state’s “witness requirement” for voters whose health would be at risk if forced to comply with the requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ACLU of Virginia provided a series of recommendations earlier this week to Gov. Ralph Northam on how to alleviate the negative impact COVID-19 will have on the ability of Virginians to participate in upcoming elections.

On March 4, the ACLU of Virginia sent Governor Ralph Northam a letter asking him to take action on legislation pending at his desk that would protect or expand the right to vote.

Virginia must have a leader of unquestionned moral authority to lead us in dismantling systems and structures that support the continued oppression of people of color.