The Redistricting Referendum on Tuesday, April 21 is gaining exposure in the news. Democrats are running many great TV ads , but Republicans are viciously pushing false narratives (like they always do) in mailers, texts, and on social media. We all need to prepare to accurately talk with our friends and neighbors about this issue.
The Basics: The Virginia amendment will counter Trump’s effort to steal the November midterm elections by redistricting mid-decade in several red states. The Virginia amendment is temporary and limited in scope, with a return to normal redistricting with the 2030 Census. This special election is on April 21, with early voting having begun on Friday, March 6. Voting YES is essential to preserve democracy at the national level.
Expanding On The Basics: Trump and his GOP goons are trying to increase the number of solid Republican Congressional Districts with severe gerrymandering, thus ensuring their control of the House of Representatives. This is happening in multiple GOP controlled states including Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, and Florida. If unchallenged, Republicans could pick up 10-15 seats.
So far, California is the only Democratic majority state to counter this power grab with a redistricting effort. California passed a referendum with safeguards similar to Virginia’s, and the US Supreme Court upheld their redistricting.
Virginia’s Democratic controlled legislature has put forth an amendment to the Virginia Constitution allowing redistricting here in Virginia with safeguards. First, the amendment only goes into effect if other states such as Texas proceed with redistricting. Second, the amendment expires with the 2030 Census, and Virginia returns to the normal redistricting process. If successful, the new maps could result in Democrats gaining control of 10 out of 11 Virginia House seats.
Is It Fair?: Trump’s efforts to steal the House from the American people are unfair. We have all witnessed the destruction of the America we love. Do we want that to continue after the midterms? For the past year, we have all heard, “Why don’t the Democrats do something to stop Trump and his illegal and immoral activities?”
Our Answer: Democrats in Virginia are taking action to stop Trump with this referendum. “When they go low, we go high” hasn’t worked. When they go low, we strike back!
Republicans are losing their minds over this trying to stop early voting and filing legal challenges. Their definition of fairness is they should always win. If we win, it’s illegitimate. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled the referendum may continue as scheduled. They are desperate and know they will lose on April 21. We must vote YES and ask our friends to vote YES.
Bottom Line: Do we want to wake up on Wednesday, November 4 and discover we lost the House by one or two votes? That’s exactly why we’ll all show up to VOTE YES! They started this, we’re finishing it.