WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican National Committee (RNC)
Chairman Joe Gruters released the following statement after the Campbell
County, Virginia General Registrar and Campbell County Electoral Board
agreed to comply with state law and appoint Republican election officials:
“Republicans have a legal right to equal representation in running Virginia’s
elections,” said Chairman Gruters. “It’s unacceptable for local
officials to ignore the law and to block Republican nominees. The RNC took
action to make sure Campbell County follows the law and voters get the fair
process they deserve.”
Background:
- On
October 24, the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) and the Campbell County
Republican Committee – led by Chairwoman Katherine Decker – filed a complaint
against the Campbell County General Registrar and the Campbell
County Electoral Board 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 must come
from different political parties to ensure fairness.
- Despite
repeated requests, Campbell County left several precincts without any
Republican election officers, even though more than 40 qualified
Republicans were available to serve.
- After
the complaint was filed, Campbell County agreed to fix the issue and
guarantee both parties are represented among election officials.
- The
Circuit Court of Campbell County later dismissed
the case after both sides reached an agreement for the County to
appoint Republican election officers, officially closing the matter.
- The
RNC has had similar
victories, including recently in Georgia, to ensure Democrats
are not violating the law and shutting out Republican election workers and
officials.
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