Lawmakers attempt to sway voters on the eve of early voting for redistricting referendum

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With Virginians set to begin voting on a proposed constitutional amendment to give Democrats the power to implement a new proposed congressional map ahead of this year’s midterm elections on Friday, lawmakers are trying to sway voters.

“Make sure you get out and vote yes on the referendum to allow us to fight back against Donald Trump’s illegal power grab that’s happening in Texas [and] North Carolina,” Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) told 8News. 

“I hope that Virginians across the Commonwealth will come together and just vote no, and let's have this election fair and square,” said House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore (R-Scott).

On Thursday, Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) announced she will be voting in favor of the proposed amendment. In a statement, she said, “Virginians have the opportunity to take action” after President Donald Trump successfully ordered several Republican-led states to redraw their congressional maps to benefit Republicans.

Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama is also supporting the amendment. 

“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,” Obama said in a video released on March 5.

However, Republican leadership in the General Assembly says Virginians should vote "No" on giving Democrats a chance to implement a map that includes 10 congressional districts that favor Democrats and only one that favors a Republican.

“Folks do not want Fairfax choosing who their next congressman is gonna be or their next five congressman are gonna be,” Kilgore said, referring to the Democrats' proposed map, which splits Fairfax County into five congressional districts. 

“All Virginians should vote against this political partisan power grab called gerrymandering,” Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) told 8News. 

Early voting begins on Friday, March 6. To find out where you can vote early, contact your local registrar’s office.