March 30, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: The special election for temporary redistricting in Virginia (April 21) is a much-needed response to the right-wing gerrymandering that’s already taken place in other states.
Right-wing folks have already decided where they stand, but for those left-of-center voters on the fence, this comes down to a struggle between ethics of principles and ethics of consequences.
There will be people who will vote against the temporary redistricting because they cannot square a “yes” vote with their belief in democracy. But we are not in a place where the future of democracy is actually secure.
Just look at the successes our administration has had in pushing through parts of Project 2025. Even now with the SAVE act, they are trying to disenfranchise voters because they know they cannot win fairly.
This administration is actively seeking to end democracy in the U.S. And that means we cannot simply lie back on our principles and feel smug because we made the “purer” choice. We don’t have time for that. You don’t have time for that. Your kids don’t have time for that.
This ballot measure is a temporary action designed to preserve democracy as the midterms arrive. In fact, it is so temporary that it would take another referendum and constitutional amendment to make it permanent.
If you are a Virginia voter and you have yet to cast your ballot, vote yes by April 21 on the redistricting measure, even if you have to hold your nose to do it, because simply preserving that right to vote is, in fact, at stake right now. KIM ANDERSON Lexington
