RICHMOND, Virginia — Millions of dollars in outside funding have poured into a campaign supporting a Virginia ballot initiative that would redraw the state’s congressional districts, highlighting the growing role of dark money in election-related battles. Campaign finance filings show the committee Virginians for Fair Elections raised more than $21 million in less than a month to support the measure.
Several nonprofit advocacy groups registered as 501(c)(4) organizations contributed large sums to the effort. These groups, including the League of Conservation Voters, American Opportunity Action, and the Fairness Project, can participate in political campaigns without publicly disclosing their donors.
Supporters of the ballot initiative argue the change is necessary to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states and to maintain electoral fairness. Critics say the proposal could create a partisan advantage for Democrats in future congressional elections.
Opponents organized under the committee Virginians for Fair Maps have raised far less money, though recent filings show an increase in contributions in recent days. Both sides of the campaign have relied heavily on donations from organizations that do not disclose the original sources of their funding.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has endorsed the proposed amendment, saying the initiative gives voters an opportunity to respond to national redistricting battles that have intensified ahead of upcoming elections.
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