‘Unprecedented times:’ Virginia Democrats defend redistricting referendum as early voting begins

By: Markus Schmidt

Outlets: Virginia Mercury

Published: March 6, 2026

Words: 1,036

Last Updated: 4 days, 1 hour ago

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As early voting began Friday for Virginia’s closely watched redistricting referendum, Democratic leaders pushed back against claims that the proposal would open the door to future partisan map-drawing, arguing instead that the measure represents a temporary defensive response to what they describe as a national Republican redistricting effort encouraged by President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters on a Zoom call Friday, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, and Del. …

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