Concerns grow about misinformation in redistricting special election

Voters in Virginia’s newly redrawn 89th District are facing a wave of misinformation ahead of the upcoming special election, according to local officials and community leaders. The special election, scheduled for January 9, comes in the wake of significant redistricting changes that have created confusion among residents about their eligibility to vote.

Norfolk Registrar Stephanie Iles has reported a troubling increase in calls from concerned citizens who have received misleading information about the election. “We’re getting calls from voters saying they’ve been told they can’t vote, when in fact they are in the district and absolutely eligible,” Iles explained during a recent interview.

The 89th District underwent substantial boundary changes following court-ordered redistricting in 2022. The district now encompasses parts of Norfolk that were previously in different voting areas, leading to genuine confusion that appears to be exacerbated by targeted misinformation campaigns.

Community activist Jackie Glass has been working to combat the confusion by conducting door-to-door outreach in affected neighborhoods. “People are receiving text messages and phone calls telling them incorrect information about their voting status,” Glass said. “Some residents have been wrongly informed that they aren’t eligible to vote when they actually are.”

According to local election officials, the special election was called after former Delegate Angelia Williams Graves won election to the Virginia Senate, creating a vacancy in the House of Delegates. The timing of the special election, coming shortly after the November general election and falling during the winter holiday season, has created additional challenges for voter education efforts.

Norfolk NAACP President Stacie Armstead expressed serious concerns about the impact of misinformation on voter turnout, particularly in minority communities. “This kind of misinformation disproportionately affects Black and brown communities,” Armstead stated. “It’s a form of voter suppression when people are deliberately misled about their right to participate in our democracy.”

The misinformation problem highlights broader national concerns about election integrity and voter participation. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, redistricting-related confusion is a growing issue across the United States, with at least 21 states reporting similar challenges after the 2020 census-triggered redistricting cycle.

Local election officials have mobilized to counter false information by establishing a dedicated hotline for voters to verify their eligibility. The Norfolk Electoral Board has also launched an expanded digital outreach campaign, including social media posts, email newsletters, and a user-friendly interactive map on the city’s website showing the new district boundaries.

“We want to ensure every eligible voter knows they can participate,” said Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Norfolk’s mayor. “This election will determine who represents a significant portion of our city in Richmond, and every voice deserves to be heard.”

The candidates competing in the special election include Democrat Alicia Smith and Republican Giovanni Dolmo. Both campaigns have expressed concerns about the misinformation and have incorporated voter education into their outreach efforts.

“Regardless of who you support, we should all agree that eligible voters deserve accurate information about their right to participate,” Smith stated at a recent campaign event.

Virginia’s Department of Elections has also stepped in, providing additional resources to local registrars and launching a statewide awareness campaign about redistricting changes across the Commonwealth.

Experts warn that special elections typically see lower turnout than regular elections, making the impact of misinformation potentially more significant. In the 2022 special elections in Virginia, turnout averaged just 18%, compared to 63% in the regular general election.

Voters uncertain about their status are encouraged to check the Virginia Department of Elections website or contact their local registrar’s office directly rather than relying on third-party information. Early voting for the special election is already underway, with Election Day scheduled for January 9.