WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Joe Gruters released the following statement after the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) and the Campbell County Republican Committee filed a complaint against the Campbell County Electoral Board and its Director, Kelly L. Martin, for refusing to appoint Republican election officers in violation of state law:
“Republicans have a legal right to fair representation in the administration of Virginia’s elections,” said Chairman Gruters. “It’s unacceptable for Democrats to weaponize local election boards to shut out Republican nominees.”
Background:
- On October 24, the RPV and Campbell County Republican Committee filed a complaint against the Campbell County Electoral Board and Registrar Kelly L. Martin for refusing to appoint Republican election officers.
- Virginia law requires both major political parties to be represented among precinct election officials “as far as practicable.”
- The law also says each precinct’s chief and assistant chief officers should come from different political parties to ensure fairness.
- Despite multiple requests, Campbell County officials left several precincts without any Republican election officers — even though more than 40 qualified Republicans are available to serve.
- The lawsuit asks the court to require the county to follow the law and restore bipartisan representation in every precinct ahead of the November election.
- The RNC has taken similar action in other states, including Georgia, to ensure Democrats are not violating the law and shutting out Republican election workers and officials.
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