Virginia Court Allows April Referendum on Redistricting
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RICHMOND, Va. The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday allowed a Democratic-backed referendum on mid‑decade congressional redistricting to proceed on April 21, 2026, while it considers appeals of a lower court ruling that had previously blocked the measure. The court denied a pause request, setting a schedule for briefs and potential oral argument after the vote. The proposed map would shift Virginia’s 11 U.S. House districts to favor Democrats in ten seats, from the current six, pending any later court decision that could void voter approval. State leaders issued brief, competing legal statements. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 2020: Voters approved ballot changes addressing gerrymandering and districting procedures.
- Democrats drafted and advanced a mid‑decade redistricting amendment proposing a 10-1 Democratic advantage.
- A Tazewell Circuit judge blocked the Democrats' measure on procedural grounds; an appeal followed.
- Feb 13, 2026: Virginia Supreme Court allowed the April 21 referendum to proceed and agreed to hear expedited appeals.
- April 21, 2026: Voters will decide the amendment; the high court may issue a final ruling afterward.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 4
- Distribution:
- Left 17%, Center 67%, Right 17%
Democratic state lawmakers and allied organizations received a procedural victory when the Virginia Supreme Court allowed the April 21 referendum to proceed, enabling voters to consider a map that could increase Democratic-held U.S. House seats while legal challenges continue.
Republican lawmakers and opponents suffered a tactical setback because the court denied a pause on the referendum, requiring them to contest both a public vote and expedited appeals with potential seat losses contingent on later rulings.
Coverage of Story:
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Virginia Court Allows April Referendum on Redistricting
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