Former President Barack Obama intensified his support for Virginia's redistricting referendum on Friday with a new video message, urging voters to approve the measure just days before the April 21 special election.

In the exclusive video shared with ABC News, Obama stated, "By voting yes, you can push back against the Republicans trying to give themselves an unfair advantage in the midterms. By voting yes, you can take a temporary step to level the playing field." He emphasized the national stakes, adding that Virginians have "the chance to do something important -- not just for the Commonwealth, but for our entire country."

The referendum asks voters whether to amend the state constitution to allow the Democratic-controlled General Assembly to temporarily redraw congressional districts before the 2031 cycle. The change would apply from 2025 to 2030 in response to mid-decade redistricting by other states, such as Texas and North Carolina. If approved, a new map already passed by legislators would take effect for the 2026 midterms, potentially shifting four Republican-held seats and giving Democrats a 10-1 advantage in Virginia's 11 districts.

Virginia voters established a bipartisan Redistricting Commission in 2020, but Democrats argue the temporary override counters Republican gerrymanders elsewhere that could cost them House seats nationally. Governor Abigail Spanberger and congressional Democrats like Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner back the yes vote, with the pro-amendment Virginians for Fair Elections raising $49 million.

Republicans decry the effort as a blatant power grab that undermines the 2020 commission voters approved by 66%. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin and GOP lawmakers warn that it dilutes rural voices and creates non-compact districts snaking into urban areas for partisan gain. U.S. Rep. Jennifer Kiggans called it "a blatant power grab" that could result in just one Republican seat. The opposition Virginians for Fair Maps raised $9 million amid reports of misleading mailers falsely suggesting Obama opposes the measure, using his past anti-gerrymandering comments.

The measure faced legal hurdles, including rulings blocking it for improper procedures and misleading ballot language, but the Virginia Supreme Court cleared the path for the vote on March 2. Polls show a tight race: a April 10-13 State Navigate survey had 51% yes and 45% no; a late March Washington Post-Schar poll showed 52% yes to 47% no.

Early voting, which began March 6, ends Saturday, with over a million ballots already cast in some estimates. The outcome could influence House control in the 2026 midterms, where Republicans hold a slim majority. Obama first endorsed in a March 5 video and has ramped up efforts as the deadline nears.