For an opposing point of view, see “Fair representation is a moral and constitutional obligation” by NAACP president Cozy Bailey Sr. For more information on the redistricting referendum, see our Voter Guide.
Early voting is underway on a statewide referendum that will determine whether Virginia keeps the fair, voter-approved redistricting process adopted in 2020 — or politicians in Richmond will be allowed to replace it with a mid-decade congressional map designed to cement one-party control.
This referendum is not a technical matter. It goes to the heart of whether voters or politicians will shape Virginia’s future. And it carries particular weight for Southwest, Southside Virginia and the Valley where communities that already feel overlooked by Richmond are being told “sit back and take it” while disenfranchising their voice.
In 2020, Virginians overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment establishing a bipartisan redistricting commission. Two-thirds of voters supported it, including Democrats, Republicans, and independents across the commonwealth. Even Virginia’s current Democratic governor supported the measure at the time.
The message was unmistakable: Virginians wanted transparency, balance and an end to partisan gerrymandering.
Yet today, the majority party in Richmond is pushing a new congressional map that would take Virginia’s current 6–5 balance and transform it into a 10–1 map.
Reports have noted that the proposal would splice together communities with little in common, stretching districts from Northern Virginia deep into rural counties. Rural counties from Rockingham to Augusta to Page to Madison will now be represented by Fairfax politicians.
The effect is clear: dilute the voices of rural, conservative and Republican voters and eliminate competitive congressional elections.
In short, it is a message to the millions of rural Virginians — your voice does not matter.
For rural Virginia, the consequences would be profound. These regions — home to farmers, manufacturers, small-business owners and families who have powered Virginia’s economy for generations — would see their influence in Washington effectively erased.
A 10–1 map would mean these communities are represented by individuals who do not understand and will rarely even take the time to visit these communities and fight for their priorities.
Now we see out of state politicians from Barack Obama to Nancy Pelosi raising money and urging support for the new map. Their involvement is part of a broader effort to nationalize what should be a state-driven decision about how Virginians elect their own representatives.
Southwest and Southside voters do not need Washington elites telling them how their districts should be drawn. They need fairness, balance, and respect for the will of the people.
Turnout in off-cycle elections is historically low. Which means every vote counts.
If you care about your voice not being destroyed by Washington elites.
If you care about Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley not being disenfranchised.
If you want to send a message to Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi that Virginia is not for sale.
Go vote, and vote NO.
Southwest and Southside Virginia are proud communities with deep civic pride and a tradition of showing up — and they can determine the outcome of this referendum. A strong turnout from the western half of the commonwealth can stop this mid-decade power grab and preserve the fair process Virginians approved just six years ago.
A “No” vote is a vote to protect the 2020 reforms, reject a 10–1 gerrymander, defend rural representation and reaffirm voters — not politicians — should shape Virginia’s future. The stakes are high, and the consequences will be felt for a decade or more.
Virginia is strongest when every region has a voice. By voting “No,” Virginians can protect the integrity of our elections, preserve the balance voters demanded, and ensure Southwest and Southside continue to play a meaningful role in shaping the commonwealth’s future.
Miyares served as Virginia attorney general, 2021-25. Cantor represented Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, 2001-14, and served as former U.S. House majority leader, 2011-14. They are co-chairmen of Virginians for Fair Maps.