Press Releases

FAIRFAX, VA — Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25) and members of Virginia’s Democratic congressional delegation held a public shadow hearing Thursday in Fairfax to confront the Trump Administration’s attacks on voting and detail efforts to defend every eligible American’s right to cast a ballot and have it counted.

Panelists outlined litigation, voter education and safeguards countering interference, intimidation, and misinformation.

The hearing examined the Administration’s attempted overhaul of mail-ballot processing, federal demands for sensitive voter information and concerns about armed immigration agents at polling places. The experts explained how litigation blocked the mail-voting rule and detailed ongoing efforts to protect voter privacy and prevent intimidation.

In his remarks and responses to lawmakers, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay outlined safeguards against duplicate voting, secured ballot drop boxes and the county’s use of paper ballots and scanners without internet connectivity. The discussion emphasized that protecting election integrity and ensuring access to the ballot go hand in hand.

“Where the Trump Administration is sowing fear and confusion, we’re providing facts and defending the right to vote. We came together in Fairfax to make clear that every eligible American, no matter who they support, can cast a ballot with confidence,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “I’m grateful to Ranking Member Morelle for joining us and proud to stand alongside my Virginia colleagues and the voting rights leaders doing this work every day. We will keep fighting to protect every vote and ensure the American people decide who represents them.”

"In this moment, there is nothing more urgent than protecting American democracy,” said Ranking Member Morelle. “The election is here and we are protecting Americans’ right to the ballot box. Every time the Trump Administration has tried to interfere with the integrity of the midterm elections, they have lost. Over the next month, we need to remain clear-eyed about the threats we continue to face. We will fight to protect American elections. Failure, quite simply, is not an option.”

"Over the last two years, the Trump Administration and the Supreme Court have levied various attacks against the right to vote," said Congressman Bobby Scott, Ranking Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. "Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans have been unwilling to take a stand against these actions. Democrats are fighting to defend everyone's right to participate in our elections, and this hearing demonstrates the urgency of this fight."

“My own family struggled, fought, bled and in some cases died for the right to vote,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “We have seen repeated efforts by the Administration to undermine the electoral process and the constitutionally protected right of millions to vote. Election integrity means protecting our election systems from foreign interference and unlawful voting, but it also means protecting every citizen’s right to vote, free of intimidation, free from discrimination. We cannot have an America that goes back to the days when propaganda, violence and voter suppression were used to keep all of the people from participating in their government.”

“Every eligible voter should be able to cast their ballot without fear, intimidation, or unnecessary barriers,” said Congressman Vindman. “Our democracy works when voters know their voices will be heard and their votes will be counted. I’m proud to stand with my Virginia colleagues, local election officials, and voting rights advocates to protect access to the ballot, safeguard voter privacy, and ensure every eligible Virginian can make their voice heard.”

“This Administration has threatened to cheat and exhaust every option to diminish our free and fair elections. In these unprecedented times, I am proud to stand together with my colleagues and voting rights organizations to protect the voices of all Americans. We will ensure every vote, regardless of party, gets counted this November. We will not be intimidated,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam.

The panel included Chairman McKay; Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward; Omar Noureldin, Senior Vice President for Policy and Litigation Strategy at Common Cause; Rev. Dr. Cozy Bailey, President of the Virginia State Conference NAACP; and Jessica Jones Capparell, Director of Government Affairs at the League of Women Voters of the United States.

The experts urged voters to check their registration, make a plan to vote and consult trusted election officials.

View photo gallery here.

Watch the full hearing: C-SPAN.

###