Virginia Lawmakers Advance Redistricting Amendment for Voter Referendum

Virginia's General Assembly has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would permit mid-decade congressional redistricting, contingent upon voter approval in an upcoming referendum. The state Senate, where Democrats hold a slim majority, voted along party lines to advance the amendment, following a similar vote by the House earlier this week.

The amendment would enable the General Assembly to redraw congressional districts between 2025 and 2030 if other states undertake mid-decade redistricting for non-court-ordered reasons. This authority would expire in 2030 and would not affect state legislative districts.

Democratic leaders argue that the measure is necessary to counteract redistricting efforts in Republican-led states. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell stated, "What you have before you today is a constitutional amendment that none of us wanted to bring to the floor, but circumstances beyond our borders have made it necessary."

Republicans have criticized the proposal, contending that it undermines the independent redistricting commission established by a 2020 voter-approved amendment. Republican Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle remarked, "Republicans in Indiana stood up to political pressure and said, 'We're not going to play these political games.' And they stopped."

Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has expressed support for the initiative but has not committed to a specific plan. She emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with Virginia voters.

The proposed amendment now moves to a statewide referendum, likely to be held in April, where voters will have the final say on its adoption.