Barack Obama seeks to “level playing field in Virginia”
Washington, Mar 6 (EFE).-
After announcing his participation in the upcoming Congressional and Senate elections, former United States President Barack Obama (2009-2017) called on citizens in Virginia on Friday to vote in an April referendum that will lead to a new state electoral map.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. But right now, they’re under attack. Several Republican-controlled states have redrawn their congressional maps to give themselves an unfair advantage in the midterm elections” Obama declared on his X account.
“Now Virginia has a chance to help level the playing field,” he asserted, encouraging participation in a vote that will be held on Apr. 21 but begins early on Friday.
“Over the past year, several Republican-controlled states have taken the unprecedented step of redrawing their congressional maps in the middle of the decade. And they’ve done it for one simple reason: to give themselves an unfair advantage in the midterms this fall,” Obama denounced.
The midterm elections scheduled for Nov. 3, will renew all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, one-third of the 100 Senate seats, and a wide range of state and local offices.
Changes to state maps will significantly influence the final outcome, shaping the US Chambers. Both Republicans and Democrats are making modifications in states they consider favorable.
In recent months, Republicans have approved new maps in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri and are also preparing a meeting in Florida for next month, which could give them up to five more seats in that state.
Democrats have already approved a new electoral map in California and now hope Virginia will join this change.
The Virginia Supreme Court allowed the vote to take place this week for the second time. EFE
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