Virginia Legislature Advances Amendment to Redraw Congressional Districts
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Virginia's General Assembly has approved a constitutional amendment allowing mid-decade redistricting of congressional districts, pending voter approval in an upcoming referendum.
Virginia's General Assembly has approved a constitutional amendment that would permit the legislature to redraw the state's congressional districts outside the standard ten-year cycle. This measure, passed along party lines, now awaits a voter referendum scheduled for April 2026. If ratified, the amendment would enable redistricting in response to similar actions by other states, with the authority expiring in 2030.
Democratic leaders argue that this amendment is necessary to counteract mid-decade redistricting efforts in Republican-led states such as Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina. They contend that without this measure, Virginia's representation in Congress could be adversely affected.
Republican lawmakers have criticized the amendment, asserting that it undermines the bipartisan redistricting commission established by Virginia voters in 2020. They view the move as a partisan power grab that could lead to gerrymandering.
The amendment's passage requires approval in two consecutive legislative sessions and a statewide referendum. Having cleared the General Assembly, the focus now shifts to the upcoming voter referendum, where Virginians will decide on the proposed change to the state's redistricting process.
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