Why Democrats (and Republicans) should vote ‘No’ on redistricting

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Dear Editor:

If I were a democrat — and I have been — I’d be angry at the signs. Stop the Steal? Plu-eeze. Every democrat I know genuinely values America, democracy, and the sacred right to vote. And so does every republican friend. Politicians excepted, citizens on both sides are rational, sincere, and want the best for people. That’s why everyone should vote “No” on the redistricting question on April 21. 

The proposal goes against American values. Have you been to Arlington, a stone’s throw from D.C.?  It’s a bumper-to-bumper circus of nightlife, malls, and government contractors. How about Luray in the Shenandoah Valley? “God’s country” they’ll say, waving an arm towards mountains. Ten cars is a traffic jam.

Both are excellent places — and different planets. 

The new map would include parts of both of these towns in one [congressional] district. Arlington, with more people, would drown out Luray’s voice.

The relatively even split of democrats and republicans (advantage democrats) that make our commonwealth such a vibrant purple state will skew democratic 10 to 1. The blue side might temporarily “win”, but democracy wouldn’t. How could you live out your values with such an artificial map? Arlington and Luray shouldn’t be joined at the hip. Richmond’s suburbs and rural counties shouldn’t either. The list goes on.

We must have a system that works. Don’t let fuzzy “fair” wording confuse you. The proposal is anything but. Even democratic operative Brian Cannon agrees:“ … I think this is wrong.”(Virginia Mercury.)

And the people who promise it’s temporary? Didn’t Lucy say something like that with the football?  The people I know are too smart to believe that.   

Let’s keep our eye on the long game. Let’s keep Virginia’s democracy strong.

Vote No on April 21.

Josh Urban ~ Campbell County, Va. 

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5 Comments

  1. Stop the steal is the line Republicans are using. Virginia citizens are given a chance to vote on the new Virginia Congressional map. Which is more than what Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio and Florida have offered to their citizens. In those states, the maps were redrawn behind closed doors by Republicans. No voting. The maps are final. Virginia is responding to these power grabs. And letting voters decide. The choice is clear. Vote YES.

    • Again, the “Yes” crowd with half truths and buzzwords. Texas was ordered by a federal judge to redistrict as a result of a Democrat lawsuit filed BEFORE Trump entered office this time. North Carolina’s map has been approved by a federal judge, Missouri and Ohio only redrew their maps after Brille Creme Newsome redrew California, and Florida is what it is, but for three election cycles now. The bottom line is a Constitutional amendment was passed by 67% of the electorate five years ago. It received bipartisan support in the General Assembly. Even Louise “the Crime Boss” Lucas touted it as ” giving power back to the people. But now, it isn’t”fair?” That’s not just disingenuous, it’s downright disgusting. This isn’t some piece of legislation; this is a Constitutional amendment. That apparently, the “Yes” folks are determined to treat as so much toilet paper.

      • You’re missing the point of his post. Virginia and California allowed its citizens to vote on the new maps. Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, and Florida did not. Approvals by likely Republican federal judges are not allowing the citizens to vote. Hair Fuhrer insisted he’s “entitled to more Congressional seats” the red state legislatures complied, without a single vote from the state’s citizens.

  2. Even Rahm Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff (Obama), and Mayor of Chicago, thinks the Democratic Party has come off the rails wth their nutty ideas.
    Voting YES in Virginia and possibly causing the redistricting, would further confirm, in time, what he thinks.

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