Obama supports Democrats’ redistricting efforts in Virginia

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Former President Barack Obama came out in support of Virginia Democrats who are attempting to redraw congressional lines in Virginia before midterm elections.

The state Supreme Court allowed the matter of redistricting to be voted on by voters for an election on April 21.

Early voting starts on Friday.

A video shared with the Associated Press tells Virginians to support the voter referendum to redraw maps.

“This amendment gives you the power to level the playing field in the midterms this fall,” Obama said in the video, according to The Washington Post. “And voters will have the final say over what the maps look like.”

Democrats in the legislature passed the new map which Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed into law.

The map will only go into effect if voters and the state Supreme Court support it.

Obama has been a prominent opponent of redistricting for years. In the past, he has raised money for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and its affiliates.

Meanwhile, Republicans have been attempting to make voting changes before the 2026 midterms, with many calling for the passing of the SAVE Act.

The SAVE Act is short for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. The legislation would require proof of U.S. citizenship when people register to vote in federal elections.