In Virginia, a group keen on preventing the creation of a casino can now concentrate their campaign for the upcoming November vote following a judge’s ruling connected to voter registration details. The group, No Means No Casino, is headed by Paul Goldman, a veteran political analyst with substantial field experience, who has objected to a proposition of establishing a $562 million casino complex. The projected Richmond Grand Resort is slated for South Richmond, off the intersection of Interstate 95, Walmsley Blvd, and Trenton Ave.
Goldman’s opposition to the casino led him to request voter registration records from the Virginia Board of Elections. Upon being denied these lists, typically given to political parties and aspirants, he sought legal redress in a Richmond court. This legal pursuit culminated in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, where Goldman experienced a significant breakthrough a week ago.
Last Friday, a judge ruled in favor of Goldman, thereby directing the Board of Elections to promptly grant him access to the voter registration details. The announcement by Federal US District Court Judge Hannah Lauck effectively resolved Goldman’s obstacles, enabling him to acquire the previously elusive voter registration records, an endeavor he has been actively engaged in since August.
“For the reasons stated from the bench, the Court ORDERS immediate release of the lists of persons who voted under Virginia code … for the Election years 2021, 2022 and beyond to Plaintiff. The Defendants are to note on the record when Plaintiff will receive the lists,“
reads the announcement from the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on Friday
Denial of Access to Voter Registration Details Impeded Goldman’s Campaign
Speaking to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Goldman discussed how the delay in obtaining the voter registration details impacted his campaign. According to him, the Attorney General’s Office, in effect, undermined his probability of defeating the referendum with a policy they have now conceded cannot be legally, politically, or constitutionally justified, he relayed. Furthermore, he lamented that his campaign fund was spent significantly on legal expenses, amounting to $100,000 worth of efforts.
This judgment is pertinent with the impending ballot scheduled for November 7, 2023. On the ballot, Virginia residents will have the opportunity to voice their approval or disapproval of the projected casino. This isn’t the first time locals will cast their votes on the Richmond casino matter. A close vote occurred just two years ago, almost allowing the casino project to commence. Interestingly, 51% of the electorate voted against the project while a competitive 49% were in its favor.
