Obama urges voters to focus on down-ballot races to combat gerrymandering

[RandySF]

Former President Barack Obama urged voters to focus on down-ballot races in new remarks published Thursday, arguing that while the presidential race gets the most attention, it is down-ballot races that could have the greatest impact on politically-motivated gerrymandering.

The video represents the latest attempt by top Democrats to focus attention on down-ballot races, like those for state legislatures across the country. The party hopes that they can take control of a handful of state legislatures in November, wins that could be key because the state bodies elected in 2020 will play major roles in redrawing the congressional and legislative maps in 2021.

"You've heard a lot about the presidential race, maybe too much," Obama says in a video for NowThis News, "but there is a lot more that will be on the ballot this fall."

Obama adds: "In this election, the state leaders we elect will help redraw electoral districts all across the country."



https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/obama-urges-voters-to-focus-on-down-ballot-races-to-combat-gerrymandering/ar-BB19onCr?ocid=st

[dchill]

1. Thanks, Obama!

[Cha]

2. Mahalo, Obama.. so urgently necessary!

[no_hypocrisy]

3. And TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO COMPLETE YOUR CENSUS!

If you want to keep your Congress critter and/or your district, fill it in today. It's online. It's 6 questions.

That also will lessen gerrymandering.

[lastlib]

4. And if you can, donate here:

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee helps elect Democratic statehouse candidates, giving us a bulwark against GOPher gerrymandering. Mr. Obama is correct that this is as important as the presidential election. Your help and your vote are what makes democracy work.

[Midnight Writer]

5. A focus on down ballot races is how the Republicans grew their power.