Virginia leaders react as redistricting referendum passes
Virginia political and community leaders are responding after voters approved a plan to temporarily redraw the Commonwealth's 11 congressional districts ahead of November's midterm elections in Tuesday's referendum.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger stated, “Virginia voters have spoken, and tonight they approved a temporary measure to push back against a President who claims he is ‘entitled’ to more Republican seats in Congress. Virginians watched other states go along with those demands without voter input — and we refused to let that stand. We responded the right way: at the ballot box. I understand the urgency of winning congressional seats as a check on this President, and I look forward to campaigning with candidates across the Commonwealth working to earn Virginians’ trust — and their votes. Looking forward, I remain committed to ensuring Virginia's bipartisan redistricting commission gets back to work after the 2030 census, and to protecting the process Virginians voted to create.”
Former Attorney General Jason Miyares and former Majority Leader Eric Cantor, co-chairs of Virginians for Fair Maps, stated, "Today, Virginians cast their votes to preserve their voices in Congress while going up against $70 million of out-of-state money and shamefully misleading ballot language intended to keep them silent. Despite all odds, neighbors calling neighbors, homemade signs, and the support of grassroots leaders and donors across the Commonwealth brought us to within a photo finish. Today's outcome means the fight resumes in the courts. Virginians deserve fair maps and respect for the rule of law, but as voters they have a right, clearly articulated by the Supreme Court in Coleman v. Pross, to vote on constitutional amendments before them at the ballot box only if placed there by a fair process. Virginians disenfranchised by today's vote will have their day in court."
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