The NAACP Alexandria Branch, Tenants and Workers United and Congressman Don Beyer Condemn Voting Intimidation Flyers Distributed in Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia - Congressman Don Beyer (VA-8) joins the NAACP

Alexandria Branch and Tenants and Workers United (TWU) in condemning the distribution of voter intimidation flyers recently placed on vehicles throughout Alexandria. These materials appear intended to foster fear, sow division, and erode trust within our community. Such tactics are inconsistent with the values of inclusivity, respect, and unity that have long defined Alexandria and have no place in a city committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and participation of all residents.

“Northern Virginia is a place where we look out for our neighbors. We don’t let the forces of bigotry and nativism divide us, and we won’t be intimidated out of exercising our constitutional rights including the sacred right to vote. Our community will not stand for intimidation tactics, which will ultimately backfire.” Congressman Don Beyer

The flyers have understandably caused concern among residents, particularly within immigrant communities. The Alexandria NAACP and TWU affirm that every person, regardless of national origin or ethnicity deserves to be treated with respect and to feel safe in their community.

"I want to be unequivocally clear voter intimidation has no place in Alexandria," said Darrlynn Franklin, President of the NAACP Alexandria Branch. "Our city has always been strengthened by its diversity. Immigrants, workers, families, and longtime residents all contribute to the economic vitality, cultural richness, and civic strength of Alexandria. We reject any attempt to marginalize or intimidate members of our community."

The NAACP Alexandria Branch stands in full solidarity with our immigrant neighbors and with Tenants and Workers United, a grassroots organization that has spent decades empowering working families, tenants, immigrants, and communities of color throughout Northern Virginia. TWU has worked to advance social, economic, and racial justice across the region. TWU has issued the following statement:

"Tenants and Workers United is deeply concerned by the flyers distributed in our city. Voters should not feel threatened or discouraged from exercising their right to vote. They deserve to feel safe, respected, and empowered to participate in our democracy without fear."

The NAACP Alexandria Branch stands firm against voter intimidation in all its forms. Efforts that target individuals based on race, ethnicity, or language undermine confidence in our democratic institutions and weaken civic participation. Voter intimidation is illegal and has no place in a free and democratic society.

"Protecting the integrity of our elections and protecting the rights of eligible voters go hand in hand," Ms. Franklin said. "Only eligible citizens may vote, and every eligible voter deserves to cast a ballot without fear, intimidation, discrimination, or harassment. We must ensure that all lawful voters can participate in our democracy safely and confidently."

The Alexandria NAACP and TWU remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing civil rights, promoting equity, defending democratic participation, and confronting all forms of discrimination, xenophobia, and hate. Together, we will continue working to ensure Alexandria remains a city where diversity is celebrated, differences are respected, and every resident can live free from fear and intimidation. Together, we choose unity over division, understanding over fear, and inclusion over exclusion.