Obama urges Virginians to vote yes on redistricting measure

Former President Barack Obama released a video urging Virginians to vote yes on a referendum to temporarily return congressional redistricting power to the state legislature; supporters say it could shift Virginia’s U.S. House delegation from 6-5 to 10-1 while opponents have mounted a legal challenge now before the Virginia Supreme Court.

Former President Barack Obama released a video urging Virginians to vote yes on a referendum that would temporarily give the state legislature control over congressional redistricting. The video was posted as early voting was underway ahead of the statewide referendum. Supporters say the change could alter Virginia’s delegation from a 6-5 Democratic edge to a 10-1 advantage through the 2030 election. Opponents call the measure a power grab and have filed legal challenges that are now before the state Supreme Court. Key details: - Obama appears in a video asking Virginians to vote yes on the redistricting referendum. - If approved, the amendment would give the Democrat-controlled legislature temporary redistricting power through 2030 and supporters say it could create a 10-1 Democratic congressional delegation instead of the current 6-5 split. - Critics describe the effort as an "unconstitutional power grab" and challenge the process used to pass the amendment, arguing a special legislative session was improperly extended. - The Virginia Supreme Court allowed the referendum to proceed and will hear oral arguments in the legal challenge on April 27. - Supporters of the measure have outraised opponents, but polling shows only a narrow lead amid a surge in early voting. Summary: If approved, the amendment would let the Democratic-controlled legislature redraw congressional maps through 2030 and could add four Democratic-leaning U.S. House seats. The Virginia Supreme Court will hear challenges on April 27, and its ruling could determine whether the amendment stands.