Virginia politicians hold rallies in support and opposition of redistricting ahead of election

[transcript] With election day around the corner, redistricting debates are heating up across Virginia. Lynchburg hosted two high profile visits on Saturday, both touched on the same issue but with very different messages. I believe we need to support this one-time amendment, wildly unfair set of maps that disenfranchise millions of Virginians. For many voters, it's been hard to cut through all the noise surrounding the redistricting amendment. Both sides have accused the other of pushing misleading political ads, leaving some people confused about what this amendment actually does. So here's the bottom line. The proposed redistricting amendment would temporarily redraw Virginia's Congressional map, potentially shifting a nearly even split to a 10-to-1 democratic majority. Opponents, including Congressman McGuire, former Governor Youngkin, and Attorney General Jason Miarez, says that shift is an overreach. Virginians aren't happy with this, and the big opportunity for all of us Republicans, Democrats, Independents is to stand up and say, no, we're not going to gerrymandor Virginia. We're trying to say no. Don't lose your voice. Don't lose your voice. Are they going to have five districts where you have Congressman living within 12 miles of each other, nor the Virginians? 70% of Virginians said that you should have a voice and choose a new representative you, but if they succeed, it will take away most of Virginian's voice. Supporters like Senator Mark Warner say it's about keeping Virginia in step with what's happening in nationwide, pointing to states like Texas where lawmakers recently redrew maps in California where voters approve changes through a similar process. Because of the actions we've seen in North Carolina and Texas to level the playing field, and at least in Virginia, it's not going to be the politicians, it's the voters decide. So I think this one time, short-term change, we'll go back to Independent in 2030, I think it makes sense. Voters are split, some saying they'll vote no, calling it unfair and politically motivated. To go from a six to five to a ten to one congressional representation in our state is just not fair or accurate representation. Others say they'll vote yes, saying it creates balance. It's our way to take an action against Trump. It's something that we all can do that can have an actual response and it actually can affect what's going on in Congress. So it's important, it's a way for us to push back against what he's trying to do. With early voting underway, an election day set for April 21st, decisions are coming soon. We're going to the Wallsert to news, working for you.