by Shawn Nowlin
In politics, there is a saying that is as old as time, “Freedom is not free. An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.”
Over the next two weeks, Virginians across the Commonwealth will collectively answer a critically important question – amend the state constitution to temporarily change how congressional districts are drawn or keep them as they are?
Unsurprisingly, the redistricting proposal has been polarizing. While Democrats see it as an attempt to protect democracy, Republicans view the move as a weak effort at gerrymandering.
Local and state leaders have denounced political campaigns opposing the redistricting referendum. In addition to exploiting civil rights imagery to sway voters, they also say it is flat-out misinformation.
“For too long, certain people have underestimated the power of grassroots work. Our community is used to being the underdog,” Roanoke Branch NAACP President Brenda Hale said. “I have faith in the voters though. They know what is at stake and will do the right thing on Election Day.”
Keren Charles Dongo, Campaign Manager for Virginians for Fair Elections, said in a press release: “The data is clear: Virginians are showing up, they’re voting early, and they are voting ‘Yes.’ On Super Saturday, you’ll see our leaders across the Commonwealth barnstorming. They will be launching canvases, casting their own votes, greeting voters and driving out turnout.”
Currently, Virginia is divided into 11 congressional districts, each represented by a United States House of Representatives member. The City of Roanoke has been represented by Republican Ben Cline for the last six years.
When the Supreme Court allowed Texas to use a new congressional map favorable to Republicans, Donald Trump’s reaction was: “It needed to be done. This move will practically guarantee that more Republicans end up in Congress.”
Reacting to Virginia’s redistricting referendum Trump, in classic Trumpian manner, said: “Democrats are the worst politicians of all time. All they care about is power. They shouldn’t do this. It is clearly a desperate move and it will fail like the losers they are.”
When a reporter asked him what the difference was between Texas and Virginia, again in his typical unhinged manner, he folded his arms before calling the journalist “a disgrace to the profession.”
In a mailer paid by the Democratic Party of Virginia, former President Barack Obama said, “Virginia, we’re counting on you. Republicans want to steal enough seats in Congress to rig the next election and wield unchecked power for two more years. But you can stop them by voting yes by April 21.”
