March 18, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: I would not normally support the Virginia mid-decade redistricting amendment, but to put it mildly, these are not normal times. We have a wannabe dictator in the White House who is afraid of losing power. L ast summer he said Republicans “were entitled to five more seats” in Texas (https://www.politico. com/news/2025/08/05/trumptexas- redistricting) After Texas gerrymandered their districts, North Carolina, Ohio, Missouri and Florida have or are trying to do the same. Without voter input. California let their voters have a say, and now Virginia is putting it up to the voters in a referendum.
Virginians face a real risk of having their voice diminished. Voting yes on this amendment is a necessary, temporary response to an unprecedented moment. This emergency exception ends after the 2030 census, when Virginia’s independent redistricting system automatically resumes.
Early voting has already begun. Please join me in voting yes by April 21 to protect free and fair elections. Our democracy quite literally may depend upon it.
Also, over the weekend of March 14, someone stole the large hand-painted VOTE YES sign along the U.S. 11 bypass. Shame on those who committed this crime, which has been reported to the authorities. Remember we all have the constitutional right to free speech! ALICIA JAHSMANN Rockbridge Baths
