The amendment to the Virginia Constitution is about bypassing the normal ten year period (next due in 2031) and allowing changing the boundaries of voting districts in 2026, 2028, and 2030. According to the text of the amendment, the majority of the legislature determines the boundaries. Currently, the Democratic Party holds the majority.
If enacted, the amendment affects not only Virginia, but the distribution of representatives in the federal government. While six Democratic and five Republican members of the House of Representatives hold Virginia seats currently, redistricting results in the possibility of often Democrats and one Republican members of the House of Representatives. Approximately 47% Virginia Voters voted for Donald trump in the last presidential election. While the pro-amendment television ads say the redistricting will amount to more representation of Virginians and less influence of parties, common sense and simple mathematics say that ten percent representation is not even close to 47%, even allowing for the votes for Trump cast by Independents.
While the amendment is touted as a temporary measure, again common sense says that the Democratic Party is favored numerically and has the advantage of winning in this year, in 2028, and in 2030, thus disenfranchising almost half of Virginia voters.
Most voters lead busy lives. Voting for President is exciting and is obviously important enough to warrant breaking away from busy routines to take the time to vote. Voting on the proposed amendment, potentially has the same importance to the Commonwealth and the whole nation as does voting for the President. The outcome could determine if the President’s agenda will be continued or reversed by a Congress that may spend it’s time mired in impeachment proceedings, taking the time and resources away from solving the many problems the nation faces. The future of the nation will be determined by the attention Virginia voters give to this Democratic proposal. Will over half of American voters be disenfranchised by a few Virginia Democrats?
Joe Cadrin,
Stuart
