A billboard sponsored by the Page County Democratic Committee (PCDC) urging citizens to vote “Yes” in the upcoming redistricting referendum has drawn reactions ranging from praise to calls for lawsuits and even threats of vandalism. One commentator has even urged the Page County Republican Committee to fund a federal trademark lawsuit against the PCDC. Some critics claim the billboard is “misleading and illegal.” Those claims are baseless.
The billboard’s wording is accurate and drawn from public sources, including Donald Trump’s statement about “taking over the voting.” It separately urges citizens to “Vote Yes on Redistricting April 21,” plainly expressing the PCDC’s position. The sign also identifies the Committee as its sponsor, in full compliance with Virginia’s political advertising disclosure laws.
Critics argue the billboard “implies” Trump supports the measure. That is a matter of interpretation, not fact. PCDC believes that voters are perfectly capable of recognizing the difference between political commentary and personal endorsements. Threatening legal action to silence this kind of message is a prior restraint on protected political speech that comes dangerously close to the form of censorship our constitutional protections are meant to prevent.
Moreover, it defies logic to claim the billboard is meant to persuade through association with Trump. If that were its intent, it would likely discourage rather than attract Democratic support. The message is unambiguous: the PCDC supports a “Yes” vote.
Virginia’s Constitution warns that freedom of speech and of the press “can never be restrained except by despotic governments.” Political committees, like citizens, have every right to express opinions on ballot issues. No law or court decision in Virginia makes a truthful, properly attributed political message unlawful simply because some find it disagreeable.
The Page County Democratic Committee will not be intimidated into removing or altering the billboard. It will continue to participate openly in public debate, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Virginia and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Those who value liberty and open debate, regardless of party or opinion on redistricting, should stand firmly against such efforts. Attempts to suppress or punish such expression — whether through lawsuits, threats, or vandalism — strike at the heart of democratic discourse and will be met with a prompt and vigorous response by PCDC through all lawful means.
Sincerely,
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