‘Don’t Fairfax Me’: How Virginia’s largest county became center of antiredistricting campaign
Signs that say, “Don’t Fairfax Me” and “Vote No” are showing in rural elements of Virginia in opposition to gerrymandered maps being voted on in a particular election.
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‘Don’t Fairfax Me’: Northern Virginians struggle redistricting plan
As the particular election that may decide the destiny of a plan to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts approaches, the state’s largest jurisdiction has began being referenced as a verb in messaging opposing the initiative.
Signs that say, “Don’t Fairfax Me” and “Vote No” began showing in rural elements of Virginia, Cardinal News reported. And on social media, Del. Wren Williams, whose district contains a number of counties within the southwestern portion of the state, outlined “Fairfaxphobia.”
Early voting has been underway for weeks, however on April 21, voters will resolve whether or not to OK a plan that might redraw Virginia’s congressional map. Currently, the state has elected six Democrats and 5 Republicans throughout its 11 districts. The proposed map may give Democrats a 10-1 benefit, consultants say.
Virginia Democrats argue the step is available in response to President Donald Trump’s push for redistricting in Republican-led states. Republicans have been essential of the hassle.
Williams is describing “Fairfaxphobia” as a worry that political energy concentrated in Fairfax County will make choices for the entire state and create insurance policies impacting some communities that they cannot afford.
“We don’t want to be Fairfax County,” Williams informed WTOP. “We don’t want skyscrapers. I don’t want to have to go somewhere outside and walk around to find some patches of grass to touch. I am interested in rural life, a little bit easier, a little bit simpler, a little bit more laid back, not as fast paced.”
As half of the proposed map, Williams mentioned, “at least five districts run up and split up Fairfax County, which will eventually lead to five sitting congressional members from the county of Fairfax, and that’s just not representative of the entirety of the commonwealth.”
Jeannette, a longtime Northern Virginia resident, mentioned individuals who dwell within the northern half of the state “are seen as an anomaly, maybe to the rest of Virginia, given our, I think, collective more liberal leaning. And I understand why they’re saying that, but I think we should separate that from the goal of the referendum.”
Dave Lincoln, in the meantime, mentioned Friday he hadn’t heard in regards to the indicators in rural elements of the state however, “I guess it’s — we are what we are.”
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell referred to as the campaign disappointing, as a result of “Fairfax County does a lot for the entire state. If it wasn’t for Fairfax, our state would have the economy of Mississippi.”
The “Don’t Fairfax Me” indicators say they’re paid for and approved by a political motion committee referred to as “New Vision VA.” Dominion Energy made a $25,000 donation to the PAC, in keeping with the Virginia Public Access Project.
Yves Fischer, who lives in Alexandria, mentioned the messaging and promoting on the redistricting referendum are complicated.
For Tiffany, “I guess they’re saying ‘Don’t Fairfax’ Virginia, because obviously we are a much more educated, classy, professional, employed area, and we, of course, are going to vote ‘yes’ on this.”
In Springfield on Friday afternoon, Ann mentioned she hadn’t seen or heard in regards to the indicators, however, “It should be a big ‘no.’ It’s not right. “It’s not fair to most Virginians.”
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