Video: President Barack Obama Urges Virginians to Vote YES on April 21 Referendum to Protect Fair Elections

President Barack Obama Urges Virginians to Vote YES on April 21 Referendum to Protect Fair Elections

Early voting in Virginia begins March 6. Election Day is April 21.

Richmond, Va. — Today, President Barack Obama released a video message urging Virginians to vote YES in the April 21 referendum, calling the measure a “responsible, temporary step” to protect fair representation at a moment when “free and fair elections are under threat.”

Watch President Obama’s message here:

In his message, President Obama highlights that several Republican-controlled states have redrawn their congressional maps mid-decade to gain an unfair advantage in this fall’s elections. He notes that Virginia is responding differently — by putting the question directly to voters and ensuring they have the final say.

“President Obama understands what’s at stake,” said Keren Charles Dongo, Campaign Manager for Virginians for Fair Elections. “While Republican-controlled states redraw maps behind closed doors to protect their own power, Virginia is putting this decision directly in the hands of voters. This amendment is a responsible, temporary step to ensure that Virginians’ voting power is not diminished and that voters — not politicians — have the final say. We’re grateful for President Obama’s support and his clear call to action for voters across the Commonwealth.”

Early voting in Virginia begins March 6. Election Day is April 21.

Read the full transcript of President Obama’s endorsement below:

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. But right now, they’re under threat.

Over the past year, several Republican-controlled states have taken the unprecedented step of redrawing their congressional maps in the middle of the decade. And they’ve done it for a simple reason: to give themselves an unfair advantage in the midterms this fall.

In April, Virginians can respond by making sure your voting power is not diminished by what Republicans are doing in other states.

This amendment gives you the power to level the playing field in the midterms this fall. And voters will have the final say over what the maps look like.

This is the responsible thing to do. It’s also a temporary measure. After the 2030 Census, Virginia will go back to a system that lets a bipartisan redistricting commission redraw the maps.

We can’t afford two more years of unchecked power and zero accountability in Washington.

Help us chart a better path forward, Virginia. Early voting begins March 6. Election Day is April 21. Vote YES.

To get involved go to virginiansforfairelections.com.

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About Virginians for Fair Elections

Virginians for Fair Elections is the campaign advocating for Virginians to vote YES on a constitutional amendment to protect fair representation and ensure voters — not politicians — have the final say over congressional district maps. The amendment is a temporary, emergency exception designed to level the playing field for Virginia’s congressional elections, with the Commonwealth’s bipartisan redistricting commission resuming full authority after the 2030 census.