Former President Barack Obama has come out in support of Virginia Democrats who are attempting to redraw congressional lines in the state before midterm elections.
The state Supreme Court allowed the matter of redistricting to be voted on in an election on April 21. Early voting starts on Friday.
A video shared with the Associated Press tells Virginians to support the voter referendum to redraw maps.
“This amendment gives you the power to level the playing field in the midterms this fall,” Obama said in the video. “And voters will have the final say over what the maps look like.”
He said it will make sure “your voting power is not diminished by what Republicans are doing in other states,” according to AP.
Democrats in the legislature passed the new map which new Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, signed into law. Obama endorsed Spanberger in the November election.
The map will only go into effect if voters and the state Supreme Court support it.
Obama has been a prominent opponent of redistricting for years. In the past, he has raised money for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and its affiliates.
But Obama was a vocal supporter of the Democratic redistricting ballot measure last year in California and appeared in ads supporting Proposition 50. The measure was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court last month.
“California, the whole nation is counting on you,” Obama says in a 30-second ad. “Republicans want to steal enough seats in Congress to rig the next election and wield enough unchecked power for two more years. With [Proposition] 50, you can stop Republicans in their tracks.”
As he spoke, images and videos of President Donald Trump and border patrol agents were displayed.
Meanwhile, Republicans have been attempting to make voting changes before the 2026 midterms, with many calling for the passing of the SAVE Act.
The SAVE Act is short for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. The legislation would require proof of U.S. citizenship when people register to vote in federal elections.