From Virginians for Fair Elections (the YES campaign on the redistricting amendment):
WATCH NEW AD: Virginia Vets Voting YES
“Our Democracy Is Worth Fighting For” — Virginia Veterans Urge YES Vote on April 21
Richmond, Va. — Today, the Vote YES campaign released a new ad, “Veterans,” featuring Virginia veterans urging voters across the Commonwealth to vote YES on the upcoming redistricting referendum.
The ad highlights veterans who served in active duty around the world defending American democracy — and who are now continuing that fight here at home. As Trump and MAGA politicians attempt to rig the 2026 midterm elections, these veterans are making clear: the fight to protect democracy didn’t end when they took off the uniform.
Major General Randy Manner, USCM Sergeant Sarah Baker, Army Veterans Nate Murphy and Terron Simmons all served because they believe America is worth fighting for. Now, they’re speaking out again — urging Virginians to stand up, push back, and level the playing by voting YES before the April 21 deadline.
Major General Randy Manner: I spent 35 years in the army.
USCM Sergeant Sarah Baker: Served in the Marines.
Army Veteran Nate Murphy: Deployed overseas.
Army Veteran Terron Simmons: I served in Iraq.
Baker & Simmons : Because our democracy is worth fighting for.
Manner: So when MAGA politicians rig congressional maps just to keep their jobs,
Baker: We’ve got no choice.
Murphy: We’ve got no choice.
Baker: We’ve gotta fight back.
Simmons: It’s why I’m voting YES.
Murphy: YES — in the special election.
Baker: It’s a temporary measure that levels the playing field.
Manner: And puts power back in the hands of the people.
Baker: Where it belongs.
Murphy: Vote YES.
Simmons: YES.
Manner: YES to stop the MAGA power grab.
For more information, visit www.
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Also:
Gov. Abigail Spanberger after casting her YES ballot:
“…and do so by passing this referendum which will allow for the Commonwealth to take temporary and responsive actions in response to what it is that we’re seeing across the country. Importantly, this is a referendum, so everyone’s vote counts. Every individual voter gets to cast their ballot. And you know, importantly for me, I supported and I continue to support the 2020 redistricting amendment that set up a bipartisan commission. and I continue to support that commission. And this amendment is temporary, in response to this moment in time where we have a president who has gone to other states seeking additional congressional seats, saying he’s quote ‘entitled to them’. So I voted yes today and I would encourage other Virginians to do the same.”
