Obama Urges Support for Virginia Redistricting Vote

Former President Barack Obama called on Virginians to support a statewide ballot measure on congressional redistricting, as early voting continued through April 18 ahead of the April 21 election. In a video message and social media post released Friday, Obama emphasized the measure's potential to promote fairness in representation, urging voters to approve the amendment that would temporarily allow the state legislature to redraw district maps.

The referendum asks voters a single question: whether to amend the Virginia Constitution to permit the General Assembly to adopt new congressional districts through the 2030 election cycle, with the standard redistricting process resuming after the next census. This mid-decade adjustment, unusual outside the typical 10-year cycle following a census, stems from ongoing national debates over electoral maps. Supporters, including Democratic leaders, argue it addresses imbalances created by redistricting efforts in other states, such as Texas, North Carolina and Missouri, where legislatures redrew boundaries without direct voter approval.

If approved, the change could shift Virginia's congressional delegation from its current 6-5 Democratic...